KP govt, Scotland to boost trade, investment ties

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Scotland governments on Thursday agreed to extend collaboration in police, tourism, renewable energy, education, culture and other areas of mutual interests.

The pledge to cement trade ties and enhance cooperation in investment came at a meeting between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, said a communiqué here.

The two dignitaries also agreed to maintain close contacts through focal persons to explore potential areas of collaboration. The chief minister briefed the Scotish minister on a number of reforms that his government had undertaken, including promulgation of several new laws. The Scotish minister appreciated the vibrant role of the Pakistani community based in Scotland.

Taking note of the close contacts between the Scotland and KP Police, including the signing of an MoU between the two institutions, the first minister agreed with the chief minister on the need for collaboration in other areas, including tourism, renewable energy, education and culture.

Earlier, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and Scotland Police signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) extending cooperation for efficient delivery of rule of law, development and bilateral institutional activities between the two forces.