Pakistan and Venezuela have underscored the potential for enhancing economic collaboration and fostering stronger people-to-people contacts for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

This was expressed during a telephonic conversation between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Venezuela's newly appointed Minister of Foreign Relations and Foreign Trade, Félix Plasencia.

During the talks, the two Ministers exchanged views on the longstanding friendly relations between Pakistan and Venezuela and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties.

They also discussed opportunities to expand cooperation across a broad range of sectors, including trade, investment, business, agriculture, IT and other areas of mutual interest.

Both sides appreciated the continued close coordination between Pakistan and Venezuela at multilateral forums on issues of common interest.

Ishaq Dar extended his warm congratulations to Venezuelan Minister on his appointment. He conveyed Pakistan's heartfelt condolences over the devastating earthquakes that recently struck Venezuela.

He also reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with the Government and the people of Venezuela during this difficult time and expressed confidence in their resilience and recovery.

Venezuelan Minister thanked Ishaq Dar for Pakistan's message of sympathy and solidarity. He also expressed appreciation for Pakistan's support and humanitarian solidarity with the victims of the natural disasters, underscoring the importance of mutual support in times of need.

He further acknowledged Pakistan's constructive role in promoting dialogue and de-escalation in the regional situation involving the United States and Iran and commended its commitment to peace and diplomacy.

Both Ministers also agreed to remain in close contact and to meet at the earliest appropriate opportunity.