ISLAMABAD: Spain has become the seventh largest importer of Pakistani products, mainly textile, the Ambassador of Spain in Islamabad Jose A de Ory said on Wednesday night.

“Many opportunities remain to be explored and I urge companies from both sides to find avenues which allow bilateral trade between Pakistan and Spain to increase,” Jose A de Ory said as he welcomed guests from the diplomatic corps and local dignitaries to join him in celebrating Spain’s national day.

The Spanish embassy had always been active in organising cultural events and bringing its rich and unique traditions to Pakistan — flamenco groups, film directors, renowned chefs and writers and many more had come to interact with local artists and the people.

The Spanish National Day had not taken place in the last three years during the corona pandemic and was a good opportunity to look back on the path of bilateral relations between the two countries and to confirm their cooperation toward further development of both nations.

The event showcased Spanish favourites including the mouth-watering paella (a rice dish) and more. Local sitar and tabla players and Spanish music contributed to background music lasting for the rest of the reception.

The ambassador of Spain and the chief guest Minister for Power and Energy Division Khurram Dastagir Khan made their resolve committed to build mutually supportive economic cooperation and win-win bilateral relations that would make the people of the two countries enjoy the fruits of the two nations. Jose A de Ory expressed condolences on behalf of the Spanish government and its people, for the loss of lives and terrible consequences from the floods that Pakistan endured in the last few months.

“We hope for a quick return of all the displaced persons to their homes as well as quick recovery of the economy with the support of the international community,” the ambassador said. The ambassador informed his guests that Oct 12 was an important date for the people in Spain, a very ancient nation, whose people had long sailed the seas. “We have just celebrated 500 years since Spanish explorers who made first round the world trip.”

He said that covid restrictions had not prevented from working on a daily basis to strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and Spain. Pakistan was an important bilateral partner of Spain.

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2022