Pakistan, Finland Agree to Expand Cooperation in Trade, Technology and Climate Resilience

Independent report

 

ANTALYA, November 12: Pakistan and Finland have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, education, technology, climate resilience and people-to-people contacts.

 

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Finnish President Alexander Stubb on the sidelines of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.

 

The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed practical measures to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

 

The prime minister highlighted the potential for increasing bilateral trade and welcomed the presence of Finnish companies, including Nokia, Wärtsilä, Metso and Vaisala, in Pakistan.

 

He encouraged greater business-to-business engagement, technology transfer and investment in telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, clean technologies and mining.

 

The two leaders also discussed climate change, disaster risk reduction and environmental cooperation.

 

Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed Pakistan’s interest in benefiting from Finland’s technical expertise in flood forecasting, water management, climate-resilient agriculture, glacier monitoring and early-warning systems.

 

They also exchanged views on diplomatic efforts to secure peaceful and lasting solutions to conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia.

 

President Stubb appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue and mediation between Iran and the United States.

 

Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of regular engagement and exploring further opportunities for bilateral cooperation.

 

The prime minister also renewed his invitation to President Stubb to visit Pakistan at a mutually convenient time.