Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday welcoming the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Australia relations, underscored the need for expanding bilateral trade and investment, with the agriculture and livestock sectors being promising areas for enhanced cooperation.
The prime minister, in a meeting with the newly appointed Australian High Commissioner in Islamabad Tim Kane, who paid a courtesy call on him, also welcomed Australian interest in the mining and minerals sector, citing Reko-Diq as a shining example of Pakistan’s enormous potential in the sector.
The prime minister felicitated the high commissioner on his appointment and expressed confidence that his tenure would help further strengthen the long-standing and friendly relations between Pakistan and Australia.
Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed deepest condolences over the tragic loss of innocent lives in the terrorist shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney, on December 14, and said that Pakistan unequivocally condemned that cowardly act of terrorism.
While reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with Australia in its hour of grief, he emphasized that terrorism had no religion and that must be condemned in all forms and manifestations, and collective action must be taken to eradicate the menace.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also lauded the valuable contribution of the vibrant Pakistani diaspora in Australia, which served as a vital bridge between the two nations.
He noted that both Pakistan and Australia, enjoyed strong people-to-people linkages, and cultural ties, underpinned by their shared passion for cricket.
The prime minister conveyed his warm regards and greetings to the Australian leadership and said that he looked forward to working with them to build stronger ties between the two countries.
Ambassador Tim Kane thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome and expressed Australia’s keen desire to work towards further enhancing Pakistan-Australia relations across all areas of mutual interest.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch also attended the meeting.
Separately, Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan was committed to multifaceted cooperation with Tajikistan, including in trade, connectivity, energy, and culture, for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The prime minister, in a meeting with Tajikistan’s Minister of Culture Sattoriyon Matlubakhon Amonzoda here, expressed satisfaction over the ongoing positive trajectory of bilateral relations and discussed ways to deepen collaboration in the field of culture.
The prime minister extended a warm welcome to the visiting minister and her delegation, underscoring the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and civilizational ties between Pakistan and Tajikistan.
He emphasized that the shared heritage of the two brotherly nations provided a strong foundation for further enhancing people-to-people contacts and cultural cooperation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the significance of the ongoing Pakistan-Tajikistan Cultural week, being held in Islamabad this week, as a landmark initiative to celebrate the rich traditions, arts, and heritage of both countries.
As agreed between the President Emomali Rehmon and Prime Minister Shehbaz, Tajikistan’s cultural week is being celebrated in Pakistan these days and the visit of Tajikistan’s culture minister is in the same context.
The prime minister noted that such exchanges would foster greater mutual understanding and strengthen the bonds of friendship between the peoples of both countries. He also conveyed his best wishes to President Emomali Rahmon and hoped to welcome him to Pakistan for an official visit next year.
The Tajik Minister of Culture conveyed the warm greetings of President Emomali Rahmon and appreciated Pakistan’s hospitality and commitment to cultural diplomacy.
She expressed Tajikistan’s keen interest in expanding joint cultural programs, including artist exchanges, festivals, and exhibitions.