Dutch envoy, governor discuss cooperation in economic sector

LAHORE:Ambassador of the Netherlands to Pakistan, Mrs Henny de Vries called on Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan at Governor’s House here on Friday.

The meeting focussed on the promotion of relations between Pakistan and the Netherlands in trade, sports and public relations. Honorary Consul General of the Netherlands in Lahore Asma Hamid, former Olympic hockey player Floris Jan Bovelandar, Dutch-Pakistani football player Kainat Bukhari and former hockey Olympian Khawaja Junaid were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with the Netherlands. He said that starting a games exchange programme between Pakistan and the Netherlands would further promote relations between the two countries.

Punjab Governor said that there are vast possibilities to promote cooperation between Pakistan and the Netherlands in the economic sector as well. He said that the revival of sports in universities is very important and in this regard, sports will be organised again in universities soon. Governor said that there is a need to increase cooperation in sports between Pakistan and the Netherlands. He said that the infrastructure, coaching academy and players' exchange programme in collaboration with the Netherlands for the revival of hockey will further expand the relations between the two countries.

The governor further said that there should be exchange of delegations at the public level between Pakistan and the Netherlands.

Netherlands Ambassador Mrs Henny de Vries said that the people of Pakistan are kind, peaceful and loving. Honorary Consul General of the Netherlands, Asma Hamid said that there are vast opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in agriculture, livestock, dairy sector and cultural sector. Meanwhile, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Pakistan Henny Fokel De Vries along with Mr Floris Jan Bovelander Olympian, the Netherlands, visited Punjab University Department of Sports and met Director Dr Muhammad Shabbir Sarwar.

On this occasion, Focal Person on Sports for Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Khawaja Junaid, Rizwan Anwar, footballer Kainat and others were also present. Hockey, football and basketball matches were held in honour of the renowned Dutch player. The Olympian also taught hockey tricks to the players while playing the match. The Ambassador Henny Fokel said that the performance of women players at Punjab University was commendable.

In his address, Bovelander said that he had scored two goals in the hockey final held in Lahore in 1990 and it was great to come to Lahore after many years. He thanked Punjab University and the Prime Minister Youth Programme.