ISLAMABAD(National Times)- A high-level delegation of the European Union and business representatives from prominent Euro­pean companies on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and lauded Pakistan’s role in de-escalation efforts in the Middle East, while also vowing to enhance trade ties with Islamabad.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting was held at the Prime Minister Hou­se. The delegation was led by Peteris Ustubs, Director (Asia Pacific) of the European Com­mis­sion’s Direc­tor­a­te-Gen­eral for Inter­nat­ional Partner­ships, and inclu­ded Ms. Thourya Triki of the European Invest­m­e­­nt Bank and senior executives from leading Eu­­ropean companies, inc­luding Manuel Pauser, Vice President of Adi­das; Vice President of And­ritz, Karl Schloegel­bau­­er; and Regional Dire­c­tor of IKEA, Dieter Metkke.

The delegation is visiting Pakistan to attend the EU-Pakistan Busi­ne­­ss Forum. The Ambas­sador of the European Union to Pakistan, Raimundas Karoblis, was also present.

The prime minister welcomed the EU delegation and thanked them for participating in the EU-Pakistan Busi­ness Forum. He said the EU is Pakistan’s largest trading partner and the destination for the highest volume of Pakistani exports.

Appreciating the convening of the forum, the prime minister expres­sed hope that it would further enhance trade and investment ties between Pakistan and the EU. He assured the delegation that the government would continue serious efforts to facilitate the growth of trade relations with the EU.

He reaffirmed the go­­vernment’s commitment to stabilising the economy despite regional challenges, including the recent spike in oil prices due to the situation in the Middle East.

Lauding the PM’s role in peace efforts, the EU delegation expressed gratitude to the government for its support in hosting the EU-Pakistan Business Forum.