Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary, Amna Baloch, and Italy’s Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry, Ricardo Guariglia, convened in Rome on February 28, 2025, for the sixth round of bilateral political consultations. Both nations expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of their relations and emphasized the potential for enhanced cooperation in defense, agriculture, and economic sectors.
The European Union (EU) stands as Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner, accounting for over 14% of its total trade and absorbing 28% of its exports. In this context, strengthening ties with Italy, a key EU member, holds significant promise for Pakistan’s economic growth.
During the consultations, both sides acknowledged their shared views on various international and regional issues, underscoring close coordination within the United Nations framework. They agreed to hold the next session of the dialogue in Pakistan next year, aiming to further solidify their partnership.
In recent years, Pakistan has been actively seeking to diversify its foreign trade and investment avenues. The establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) aims to attract international investments in sectors such as agriculture, energy, livestock, tourism, mining, and minerals. Strengthening ties with Italy aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy to ensure sustainable economic growth and stability.
