Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistan’s federal minister for planning, development and special initiatives, held talks with Lebanese Ambassador Abdulaziz Issa on widening cooperation in trade, education, tourism and sport.
Trade fairs and business delegations with Lebanon
Iqbal pointed to Pakistani goods with strong export prospects, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, rice, cement, construction materials and light engineering. He suggested hosting Pakistani trade fairs in Lebanon and exchanging business delegations to examine trade and investment openings.
Student exchanges between Pakistani and Lebanese universities
Iqbal proposed semester-long exchanges between universities in the two countries, with academic credits recognised by both sides. He also offered to involve the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to encourage university partnerships.
Sports and cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Lebanon
Iqbal stressed tourism, cultural exchanges and sport as ways to build people-to-people links. He proposed swapping football, basketball and volleyball teams to give athletes wider international exposure.
Ambassador Issa briefed the minister on the situation in Lebanon, noting improvements in several areas, and praised Pakistan’s role in promoting peace in the Middle East. Both sides pledged to deepen bilateral engagement and explore practical initiatives.
