During a meeting with Portugal’s Ambassador to Pakistan Paulo Domingues in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz said that relations between Pakistan and Portugal are based on friendship and can be further strengthened through economic partnerships and people-to-people connections.
The meeting focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, livestock, tourism, culture, education, and other areas of mutual interest.
Welcoming the Portuguese ambassador to Lahore, the Punjab chief minister said the province offers vast opportunities for foreign investors and encouraged Portuguese companies to establish businesses and increase investment in Punjab.
Maryam Nawaz said that cooperation between Pakistan and Portugal can be enhanced in sectors including pharmaceuticals, energy, water resources, healthcare, information technology, and modern digital projects. She added that stronger business ties between the two countries could create new opportunities for economic growth in the region.
The two sides also discussed a proposal to establish a Pakistan-Portugal Business Forum aimed at strengthening links between entrepreneurs and industrialists from both countries and promoting joint investment projects.
During the meeting, possibilities of establishing sister-city relations between Lahore and Portugal’s capital Lisbon were also discussed to promote cultural and educational ties. Both sides emphasized cultural exchanges, student connections, and tourism promotion.
Maryam Nawaz said culture, tourism, and public relations play an important role in strengthening ties between countries. She added that increasing interaction between the people of Pakistan and Portugal could bring both nations closer.
She also highlighted the popularity of Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo among Pakistani youth, saying that cooperation in Portuguese culture, language, heritage, and sports could further enhance people-to-people relations.
Speaking on the occasion, Portuguese Ambassador Paulo Domingues appreciated Lahore’s culture, cuisine, and hospitality. He also praised Pakistan’s diplomatic role, saying the country’s efforts for regional peace and stability are important.
The Portuguese envoy appreciated the Punjab government’s initiatives in the health sector, particularly the plan to establish the province’s first government cancer hospital, and congratulated Maryam Nawaz on the initiative.
Paulo Domingues assured that Portugal would continue efforts to provide a favorable environment for Pakistani businesses and investors. He also invited the Punjab chief minister to visit Portugal.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation between Pakistan and Portugal in trade, investment, education, tourism, and cultural sectors.
