Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Minister of Foreign Relations and Foreign Trade of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Felix Plasencia on Sunday exchanged views on the longstanding friendly relations between Pakistan and Venezuela and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties.

During a call from Felix Plasencia, the two sides discussed opportunities to expand cooperation across a broad range of sectors, including trade, investment, business, agriculture, IT, and other areas of mutual interest.

Both sides underscored the considerable potential for enhancing economic collaboration and fostering stronger people-to-people contacts for the mutual benefit of the two countries, the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement.

Ishaq Dar emphasised the importance of sustained high-level engagement to reinvigorate bilateral relations and further deepen cooperation.

Both sides appreciated the continued close coordination between Pakistan and Venezuela at multilateral forums on issues of common interest.

Dar extended his warm congratulations to Minister Plasencia on his appointment and conveyed Pakistan’s heartfelt condolences over the devastating earthquakes that recently struck Venezuela.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Government and the people of Venezuela during this difficult time and expressed confidence in their resilience and recovery.

Minister Plasencia thanked Ishaq Dar for Pakistan’s message of sympathy and solidarity.

He also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s support and humanitarian solidarity with the victims of the natural disasters, underscoring the importance of mutual support in times of need.

He further acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting dialogue and de-escalation in the regional situation involving the United States and Iran and commended its commitment to peace and diplomacy.

They agreed to remain in close contact and to meet at the earliest appropriate opportunity.