Czech Republic has expressed strong desire to expand trade and business cooperation with Pakistan, with special interest in the country's mango export sector.

The interest was conveyed by Czech Ambassador to Pakistan, Ladislav Steinhubel during his meeting with Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in Islamabad today.

The Ambassador said his country wants to increase cooperation with Pakistan in health, energy, trade and business sectors.

The Acting President reciprocated by expressing Pakistan's commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation with the Czech Republic in areas of mutual interest.

He highlighted people-to-people linkages, parliamentary cooperation, trade, health, education and renewable energy as the areas where the two countries need to explore greater cooperation.

Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani said Czech businessmen should visit Pakistan to explore investment opportunities.

He emphasized easing visa regime for Pakistani students wanting to study in Czech universities to enhance educational cooperation between the two countries.  

He also appreciated Czech Republic's support for Pakistan's candidature for the non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for 2025-26.

On the occasion, the Czech Ambassador offered condolences over the loss of lives in the recent terrorist attack on Jaffar Express in Balochistan.                      

He also informed the Acting President that Czech Prime Minister will visit Islamabad in May.      

To this, the Acting President expressed confidence that the visit will help further enhance bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Czech Republic.