Pakistan and Kenya have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding and cordial ties between the two countries.

The consensus emerged during the meeting between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of Kenya William Samoei Ruto on the sidelines of the High-Level Segment of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York today [Tuesday].

The two leaders reviewed the state of Pakistan-Kenya relations and expressed satisfaction at their positive trajectory.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan's desire to further deepen bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, trade, defence, and education and people-to-people domains.

In the economic sphere, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to realize the considerable potential for enhancing bilateral trade and investment, particularly in pharmaceuticals, textiles, surgical instruments, agriculture and other areas of mutual interest.

He also encouraged greater interaction between the business communities of the two countries and invited Kenyan investors to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, including in Special Economic Zones.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted Pakistan's interest in enhancing its engagement with the East African Community.

President Ruto lauded Pakistan's mediation role in the recent crisis in West Asia and the Gulf region.

Emphasizing the importance of regular high-level engagement, the two sides agreed to further strengthen the existing institutional mechanisms of bilateral cooperation, including the Bilateral Political Consultations and the Joint Ministerial Commission.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange views on regional and global developments, including sustainable development and international peace and security.