The Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia, Dr Drago Stambuk called on Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman at Governor House Lahore. Honorary Consul General of Croatia in Pakistan Imran Baig was also present on this occasion. Issues of mutual interest and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade and culture were discussed in the meeting.
Speaking on this occasion, Punjab Governor Muhammad Balighur Rehman said that the human tragedy in Palestine is painful. He said that wherever there is oppression in the world, voice should be raised against it. Governor Punjab said that people-to-people contact is every important in promoting bilateral cooperation. He said that Pakistan wants to strengthen bilateral relations with the Republic of Croatia in all sectors including trade and education. Governor Punjab said that the opening of the Honorary Consulate of Croatia in Karachi is an important development which will further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries. He further said that in order to promote trade relations between the two countries, there should be exchanges of delegations of business and various chambers of commerce and industry.
Ambassador of Croatia Dr. Drago Stambuk said that Sufism is the beautiful face of Islam. He said that the future of the world is in peace. He said that Croatian Embassy is making great efforts to increase bilateral trade between Pakistan and Croatia.
Moreover, Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman had hosted a hi-tea to the visiting players and officials of the Oldenzaal Hockey Club (OHC) Bully and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Youth Pakistan teams at the Governor’s House here. The OHC Bully has been invited by the hockey Olympian Khawaja Muhammad Junaid to play three matches against the HEC Youth hockey team in Lahore and Islamabad. The hockey series has been dedicated to the Police Shuhada (martyrs). Speaking on this occasion, Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman said hockey is our national game and hockey players have had brought laurels to the country, expressing the hope that hockey will regain its lost position with dedicated efforts. He said that hockey legends like Khawaja Junaid are the heroes of the nation who brought glory to the country through their outstanding performance in their respective sports. He further said sports equipment of best quality is manufactured in Pakistan and the city of Sialkot is famous for manufacturing sports equipment. The Governor Punjab said that it is a matter of great pride for us that the high quality footballs produced in Sialkot were used in last years FIFA World Cup. The Governor Punjab said sports also help strengthen people to people and diplomatic ties between countries. The visiting Dutch hockey players appreciated hospitality of the Pakistani people, adding that Pakistan is a beautiful country. The Dutch contingent was also shown round of the historic Governor’s House.