POLITICAL ISSUES
BAHRAIN
1. Prime Minister for enhanced cooperation with Bahrain
Islamabad, Wednesday, 4 December 2013
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reaffirmed importance Pakistan attaches to its relationship with Bahrain during his meeting with the Commander of the National Guard of Bahrain, Lieutenant General Sheikh Mohammad bin Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad; See also: The News International, Karachi

IRAQ
2. Iraq values brotherly relations with Pakistan: Iraqi speaker
Islamabad, Wednesday, 4 December 2013
Stressing the need for enhanced parliamentary and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Iraq, the Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives Osama Abdul Aziz Al-Nojafi said that Iraq valued its relations with Pakistan and wished to strengthen it.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

3. Iraqi parliamentary delegation to help strengthen bilateral relations: Speaker of National Assembly
Islamabad, Thursday, 5 December 2013
Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that the visit by the Iraqi Council of Representatives would be a landmark in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad; See also: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

4. Interior Minister, Iraqi Speaker called on Prime Minister
Islamabad, Saturday, 7 December 2013
Speaker of Iraqi Assembly Speaker Osama Abdul Aziz Al-Nojaifi called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and welcoming the speaker Sharif stated that the visit would provide an impetus to the parliamentary relations between the two countries. He also said that Pakistan welcomed the lifting of sanctions by the UN Security Council which would lead Iraq’s development and progress.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

5. National Assembly and Iraqi Council signed MoU for future cooperation
Islamabad, Monday, 9 December 2013
National Assembly of Pakistan and Council of Representatives of Iraq signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for future cooperation between the two parliaments and both parties decided to cooperate in parliamentary development such as legislative procedures, legislative drafting and legislative research, sharing of laws, committee working, and oversight role, secretariat infrastructure, and E-Parliament.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

IRAN
6. Pakistan, Iran to move forward on IP Gas Project
Islamabad, Monday, 9 December 2013
In a meeting between the Pakistan’s Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Iranian Minister of Petroleum Bijan Namdar Zangeneh in Tehran, both decided to enhance the speed of the implementation of the IP Gas Pipeline project and formulate a roadmap to address the challenges.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

LEBANON
7. Lebanese Ambassador called on President
Islamabad, Monday, 2 December 2013
Bilateral relations between Lebanon and Pakistan were discussed during a meeting between the Ambassador of Lebanon to Pakistan, Mona Adnan El Tannir and the President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

8. Lebanese Envoy showed keen interest in Pakistan's defence production
Rawalpindi, Wednesday, 11 December 2013
Ambassador of Lebanon to Pakistan Mona Adnan El Tannir expressed displayed interest in Pakistan's defence production and in enhancing cooperation between the two countries in this area during a meeting with Pakistan's Federal Minister for Defence Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

9. Ambassador of Lebanon met the speaker of National Assembly
Islamabad, Thursday, 12 December 2013
Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, in a meeting with Lebanese ambassador Mona Adnan El Tannir discussed parliamentary and economic cooperation and also referred to the establishment of the Pakistan-Lebanon Parliamentary Friendship Group in the National Assembly.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

PALESTINE
10. Pakistan to continue supporting Palestine cause: Ayaz
Islamabad, Monday, 16 December 2013
Speaking with the Palestinian Ambassador Walid A.M. Abu Ali, Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that Pakistan would continue its support to the Palestine cause and added that the issue must be resolved in a fair and just manner, which is acceptable to the people of Palestine.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

TURKEY
10. Turkish Ambassador called on Prime Minister
Islamabad, Wednesday, 18 December 2013
In a meeting with the Turkish Ambassador Babur Girgin, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that he was looking forward to the visit of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and that this visit would be yet another landmark in Turkish-Pakistan relations.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

11. Pakistan to double trade with Turkey: PM
Islamabad, Thursday, 19 December 2013
In a meeting with Ahmet Davutoglo, Foreign Minister of Turkey, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan would make efforts to double its trade with Turkey.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

12. Turkish Foreign Minister called on President
Islamabad, Thursday, 19 December 2013
In a meeting with Ahmet Davutoglo, Foreign Minister of Turkey, President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain stressed on the need for having a strategic comprehensive partnership in all realms of mutual cooperation which would benefit both nations.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

13. Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Turkey
Islamabad, Thursday, 19 December 2013
Discussions on bilateral, regional, and international issues were held at the Foreign Office as part of the first round of the Annual Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Turkey within the framework of the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council. Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglo of Turkey led the respective delegations.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

14. Pakistan, Turkey enjoy strong relations: Prime Minister
Islamabad, Friday, 20 December 2013
In an interview with a Turkish TV channel, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that Turkey and Pakistan share a strong relationship, further stating that Turkey and Pakistan were pioneer members of the RCD along with Iran.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

15. Turkish Prime Minister arrived Lahore
Lahore, Monday, 23 December 2013
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan along with prominent Turkish businessmen arrived on a two -day official visit to Pakistan. The Chief Minister of Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif received the Turkish Prime Minister at the Allama Iqbal Airport.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

16. Khurram Dastgir calls for further strengthening trade relations with Turkey
Islamabad, Monday, 23 December 2013
Noting with satisfaction the existence of a positive relationship between the leaderships of Pakistan and Turkey, the Minister of State for Commerce and Textile Industry in Pakistan Khurram Dastgir Khan and Minister for Economy in Turkey Mehmet Zafer Caglayan agreed on taking the relationship through extensive trade. Both also reviewed the 6th round of official-level talks on Pak-Turk Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), which was concluded on 23 December 2013.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

17. Pak, Turk premiers vowed to strengthen bilateral relations
Lahore, Monday, 23 December 2013
Speaking at the Pak-Turk Business Forum Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to further strengthen the bilateral, trade, cultural, political and economic relations and urged that both sides must work for joint ventures and investment in diversified sectors of economy.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

18. Pakistan, Turkey vow to enhance coop. against terror, organized crimes
Islamabad, Tuesday, 24 December 2013
In a joint statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the visit of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the two countries have resolved to increase bilateral cooperation against organized crime, promote regional peace and security; and enhancing cooperation in social sectors such as education, culture and tourism.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

19. President for boosting Pakistan-Turkey strategic economic partnership
Islamabad, Tuesday, 24 December 2013
During a meeting with Turkish Prime Minister, Pakistan's President Mamnoon Hussain called for a more strategic economic partnership for the mutual benefit of people of the two nations and the region. The President invited Turkish investors and businessmen to avail the investment opportunities in various areas including trade, energy, infrastructure, communication and others.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

UAE
20. PM and  President felicitated UAE on National Day
Islamabad, Monday, 1 December 2013
On the occasion of the 42nd National Day, President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif felicitated the people and leadership of the UAE.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

21. MP's frequent exchange to bolster Pak-UAE ties: Speaker
Islamabad, Wednesday, 25 December 2013
In a meeting with Mohammad Ahmad Al Mur, Speaker of Majlis Watani Itihadi, House of the Federal National Council UAE at Dubai, Speaker of the Pakistani National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that frequent parliamentary exchanges between the two countries would help strengthen ties.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

22. Pakistan desires to further strengthen, diversify ties with UAE: PM
Islamabad, Tuesday, 31 December 2013
Ambassador of the UAE to Pakistan, Essa Abdullah Albasha Alnaomi said that UAE had spent US$300 million on health and infrastructure projects while dealing with the 2011 flash flood. The UAE has been supplying aid to Pakistan since 2011 from the Abu Dhabi fund for development for the building of roads, hospitals, schools, and other infrastructure.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

ECONOMIC ISSUES
IRAQ
23. Pakistan desirous of strong trade ties with Iraq: President
Islamabad, Friday, 6 December 2013
In a meeting with the Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain expressed a desire to further strengthen economic ties with Iraq, emphasizing the need for exploiting the existing potential for trade and commerce to the mutual benefit of people of both countries.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

QATAR
24. PM invited Qatar's energy companies to invest in Pakistan
Islamabad, Friday, 20 December 2013
Talking to Sheikh Falah Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani, Chairman of Doha Group of Companies, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called on Qatar's Petroleum and Gas companies to invest in Pakistan's oil and gas exploration and production sector.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad; See Also: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

TURKEY
25. Pakistan, Turkey to intensify cooperation in energy, trade
Islamabad, Tuesday, 24 December 2013
During the meeting between the Prime Ministers of the two countries, Pakistan and Turkey vowed to intensify cooperation in energy, trade, urban development, infrastructure and housing sectors apart from an agreement operationalizing the Islamabad - Tehran - Istanbul ECO Container Train. The two countries also decided to conclude a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), within the first three months of 2014.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad; See also: The Dawn, Karachi; The Nation, Lahore

UAE
26. UAE company to invest US$ 170 million in Pakistan
Islamabad, Friday, 13 December 2013
Sultan Al Ghurair, Director of the Business Development Al Ghurair Investment, Dubai said that his group planned to invest US$170 million for constructing an oil refinery in Pakistan during his meeting with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES
IRAN
28. Pakistan, Iran signed MoU to promote national languages
Islamabad, Monday, 9 December 2013
The Head of Academy of Persian Language and Literature, Dr. Gholam Ali Haddad Adel and Foreign Secretary for Information and Broadcasting and National Heritage Dr. Nazir Saeed signed a MoU for cooperation for the promotion and development of the national languages of the two countries.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

JORDAN
29. Commander Jordanian Air Force visited PAF HQr, called on Air Chief
Islamabad, Tuesday, 3 December 2013
A five-member delegation led by Commander Royal Jordanian Air Force Major General Malek Salameh Habashneh visited the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) headquarters and called on the Air Chief Marshall Tahir Rafique Butt. The delegation would visit various PAF bases and installations as part of their four day visit to Pakistan.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad; See Also: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

TURKEY
30. Baligh for enhancing cooperation with Turkey in education sector
Islamabad, Wednesday, 4 December 2013
Speaking at a meeting with the Turkish Ambassador Babur Girgin, the State Minister for Education, Training and Standards in Higher Education Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman emphasized on strengthening cultural and religious ties by enhancing cooperation in the field of education, especially in technical and vocational training.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

31. 'Turkish Vocational Training Model' discussed for manpower export
Islamabad, Thursday, 12 December 2013
Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan discussed the 'Turkish Vocational Training Model' for exporting the maximum Pakistani manpower across the world during his meeting with the Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Rights Development Pir Sadruddin Shah Rashidi.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

32. Turkish premier visited cultural village at Aitchison college
Lahore, Monday, 23 December 2013
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended a cultural event at Aitchison College organized by the Punjab Government in his honour.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

UAE
33. UAE launched US$1.2 million project in Pakistan
Islamabad, Sunday, 29 December 2013
The UAE Project to Assist Pakistan (UAE PPP) announced the launch of new projects to provide pure drinking water in Pakistan at a cost of US$1.2 million.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad; See also: The Express Tribune, Karachi

34. UAE spent US$300 million on health, educational projects in Pakistan: envoy
Islamabad, Tuesday, 31 December 2013
Essa Abdullah Albasha Alnaomi, Ambassador of the UAE to Pakistan said that UAE had spent US$300 million on health and educational projects to help Pakistan deal with the impact of the 2011 flash floods on its infrastructure.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

COMPILED BY PAULAMI SANYAL

Paulami Sanyal is a doctoral candidate at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.  Email

As part of its editorial policy, the MEI@ND standardizes spelling and date formats to make the text uniformly accessible and stylistically consistent. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views/positions of the MEI@ND. Editor, MEI@ND: P R Kumaraswamy