The Danish government wants good and strong relations with Muslim countries, particularly Pakistan, Ambassador of Denmark in Pakistan Uffe Wolffhechel said at a recent gathering of the English Speaking Union of Pakistan (ESUP).
“We want very friendly ties with Pakistan and our international partners through the European Union which is a very strong economic block. We would be happy to work with Pakistan and contribute to various sectors including education, health and energy,” he added.
“My country has different educational programmes and Pakistani students can benefit from them and better contribute to their country’s economic prosperity and development.”
The Danish envoy said Pakistan would have to take initiatives in different sectors. “We only can help Pakistan and further its agenda at larger platform of the EU,” he remarked.
He said Pakistan has a lot of economic potential in various sectors. “Denmark has enough capability to support Pakistan in energy sector. Pakistan needs good management of available energy resources besides exploring new avenues,” he added.
Wolffhechel said Danish companies are interested in investing in Pakistan. “There is good space for increasing bilateral trade. Pakistan has great importance in the region,” he pointed out.
He emphasised that freedom of expression is very essential for strengthening of democracy in a country and also praised the active role being played by media in Pakistan.
“My country has strongly supported democratic values in the world including Pakistan. The media here is very open and even contentious issues are discussed fairly,” he added.
He said for strengthening the media in Pakistan, Denmark has initiated different training programmes for Pakistani journalists, especially female ones.
He also said his country has been contributing towards women empowerment in Pakistan. “My country has significantly contributed to the relief and rehabilitation of the people affected by the earthquake and the floods in Pakistan,” he noted.
He said that the Denmark embassy has been providing its best services to Pakistanis including the easy and timely issuance of visas.
“We are also presenting a wider and positive image of Pakistan in Denmark. We want a stable Pakistan and want to strengthen our bilateral ties further,” he added.
He informed the gathering that around 21,000 Pakistanis are living in Denmark and their first generation is integrating with the Danish society. “They are ambassadors of Pakistan and Denmark,” he added.
To a question, the ambassador said friendly ties between Pakistan and India are very important for peace and prosperity of the region. “It is highly welcoming to see India and Pakistan supporting each other’s membership in the United Nations Security Council,” he added.
