BEIJING, Sep 04 (DNA): President Mamnoon Hussain on Friday said Pakistan values its ties with Bosnia and Herzegovina and said it would welcome joint ventures and investment in power generation, construction and textiles.The President expressed these views while talking to Bosnian President Dragan Covic, as the two leaders met here on the sidelines of the commemorative events of China’s 70th anniversary of victory in World War II.President Mamnoon appreciated the excellent cooperation between the two countries at international fora and emphasized the need for greater contacts at official level as well as people to people exchanges.

He underscored the need to further strengthen exchanges between the parliamentarians of the two countries.

The President said the trade volume with Bosnia had steadily increased from US$ 289 million in 2009 to US$ 500 million in 2012, but pointed that it remained far below the potential.

He recalled the visit of Bosnian President Bakir Izetbegovic in October 2012 that resulted in the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding in the fields of defence and commerce.

Mamnoon said the agreement for cooperation in defence between Pakistan and Bosnia would further strengthen relations including joint ventures in defence production.

He expressed the hope that the education and cultural contacts between two countries could help explore development of linkages between select institution in the field of arts, archaeology, fashion and music.

He also highlighted that Pakistan would be glad to offer training to diplomats, civil servants and armed forces from Bosnia at the Foreign Service Academy, National School of Public Policy and National Defence University.

The Bosnia President said his country also intended to strengthen ties with Pakistan and added that both countries could share their expertise in trade and culture.

Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi and Pakistan’s ambassador to China Masood Khalid were present during the meeting. DNA