ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi said that Pakistan wants to expand bilateral ties with Philippines, Iran, and Rwanda in field of trade, economy, investment, culture and people-to-people contacts.

Talking to Ambassadors-designates of Republic of Philippines and Islamic Republic of Iran and non-resident High-Commissioner-designate of Republic of Rwanda who presented their diplomatic credentials to him made separate calls on him here at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Talking to Maria Agnes M. Cervantes, President said that Pakistan was keen to expand bilateral relations with Philippines across all areas of cooperation and expressed need to explore new avenues of cooperation to further diversify bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

Speaking to Iranian Ambassador-designate to Pakistan Dr Reza Amiri Moghaddam, President highlighted need to promote economic engagement and mutually beneficial economic exchanges between two countries through established institutional mechanisms and private-sector collaborations. He called for further expanding economic ties by strengthening existing institutional mechanisms, besides making Border Sustenance Marketplaces functional.

Talking to High Commissioner-designate of Rwanda to Pakistan James Kimonyo, President emphasised need to further strengthen trade and economic relations, adding that business communities of two countries needed to exchange visits to boost bilateral trade.

He remarked that Rwandan businessmen should explore Pakistani market, especially for import of rice, textile products, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments and sports goods.

President felicitated envoys on their appointments and expressed hope that they would play their role to further increase bilateral cooperation with Pakistan.