Islamabad: South Korea on Monday expressed the desire to enhance its bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in a number of areas of mutual interest, particularly trade, investment, IT, culture, tourism and people to people exchanges.

This desire of the Korean Government was expressed by Korean Ambassador Korean Park Ki Jun during his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Monday (today).

The Ambassador congratulated the Prime Minister on behalf of the Korean leadership upon his re-election. Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Korean leadership for the warm message of greetings that he received and expressed the desire to work closely to further strengthen bilateral ties.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan and Korea enjoy good relations, particularly in trade and investment. He said both countries had cooperated since the early 1960s for economic development and conveyed admiration for Korea's remarkable transformation into a modern technologically advanced economy.

He said that Pakistan is keen to learn from Korea's experience of industrialization and SME sector growth as well as in the field of IT including artificial intelligence.

Shehbaz Sharif also offered to enhance export of skilled manpower from Pakistan to meet Korea's human resource needs.

To promote mutually beneficial trade, he proposed the exchange of business delegations between Seoul and Islamabad. In this regard, the Prime Minister said he would instruct relevant Cabinet Ministers to coordinate with the Korean side to discuss existing investments by Korean companies as well as to explore new opportunities.

Shehbaz Sharif also extended an invitation to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to undertake an official visit to Pakistan.

Rawalpindi:  Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir on Monday conferred military awards upon Army personnel for their acts of gallantry during operations and meritorious services rendered to the nation during an Investiture ceremony held here at General Headquarters.

A large number of senior Army officers and families of awardees attended the ceremony. The officers & soldiers were awarded medals including Sitara-I-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-I- Basalat.

Medals of Shuhada were received by their family members, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release said. Paying tributes to Shuhada (martyrs) and Ghazis, the COAS said, “There is nothing more noble than laying one’s life for defence of motherland and the sacrifices of our martyrs strengthen our resolve to fight with utmost dedication and spirit of sacrifice.”

The Army Chief also lauded brave families of Shuhada for their high spirits and sacrifices rendered by them.

The COAS said, “Shuhada and Ghazis are our national heroes and the nation owes its independence and security to the sacrifices of its valiant warriors. Our Shuhada are, indeed, the beacons of hope and resilience for the nation.”

Beijing: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Monday expressed Pakistan's strong commitment to advancing Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s security and development cooperation agenda.

He was talking to Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Ambassador Zhang Ming in Beijing on Monday (today).

Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to the SCO Charter and the Organization's fundamental ideals as enunciated in the 'Shanghai Spirit.'

 Recognizing the immense potential of the SCO region, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the collective responsibility of SCO member states to collaborate effectively and harness the collective potential for sustained progress and prosperity of the entire SCO region.

The discussion also touched on Pakistan's initiatives and contributions in its ongoing Chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government.

Ambassador Zhang Ming reiterated SCO Secretariat's continued support to Pakistan during its tenure as Chair of the Heads of Government of the Organization.