Senegalese president visits Pakistan to boost trade ties

President of Senegal Macky Sall arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday on a two-day visit to explore ways of cooperation in trade and economic relations.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif received Macky Sall at an airbase near Islamabad. The Senegal president is leading a 34-member delegation, the Foreign Ministry said.

The last high-level bilateral visit between the two countries was that of former President Abdoulaye Wade to Pakistan in March 2001.

During the visit, the Senegalese pesident will meet Sharif followed by delegation-level talks.

"During the visit, both sides will be exploring the possibilities of further strengthening existing bilateral ties in various fields of mutual interest," a Foreign Ministry statement said.

There will be renewed focus on elevating economic and trade relations and defence cooperation between the two countries, it said.

Sources say the visiting delegation also discussed the potential of defence industry of Pakistan and showed keen interest in the thriving Pakistani Defence Industry.

In a previous meeting between President Sall and Prime Minister Sharif, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Senegal had shown interest to procure defence equipment from Pakistan.

He had also sought to benefit from Pakistan's expertise in agriculture, scientific research and science & technology.

Both leaders had agreed to explore ways to enhance bilateral trade volume from its current level of 37 million U.S. dollars. Endit