ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (INP): Outgoing ambassador of Austria in Pakistan Mr. Axel Wech paid a farewell call on the President Mamnoon Hussain at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday.

Highlighting the existence of long term bilateral ties between the two countries, the president said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Austria which are based on mutual trust and goodwill. The president appreciated the long-term partnership of Pakistan with Austria in economic, trade and commercial relations.

President Mamnoon Hussain said that Pakistan desires to further strengthen its partnership with Austria in diverse areas to the mutual benefit of the people of both countries. The President lauded the positive role played by OMV, an oil & gas company of Austria, in the energy sector of Pakistan, particularly the Sawan and Kandanwari Gas Field in interior Sindh. The president also appreciated the participation of a number of Austrian companies in Pakistan’s various hydro power and alternate energy projects.

The president emphasized that both countries should continue exploring mutual avenues for future cooperation for further enhancing the existing volume of bilateral trade noting that the existing bilateral trade, i.e. US $ 149 million, is far below the potential. He stated that the Austrian investors should take advantage of investor friendly policies of Pakistan by investing in various sectors of economy especially in the oil, gas and energy sectors.

The president commended the ambassadorial services of Mr. Axel Wech for promoting bilateral relations during his stay since 2010 as Ambassador in Pakistan. The president wished the outgoing ambassador good health, happiness and success in his future life and assignments.

The outgoing ambassador thanked the president and the government of Pakistan for the support he was extended during his tenure as ambassador.

INP