PM Shehbaz stresses expanding trade, investment ties with Australia

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.

According to the Prime Minister Office (PMO), he 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.

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PM 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 emphasised 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.

Shehbaz also lauded the valuable contribution of the vibrant Pakistani diaspora in Australia, which served as a vital bridge between the two nations, the PMO said.

He noted that both Pakistan and Australia, enjoyed strong people-to-people linkages, and cultural ties, underpinned by their shared passion for cricket.

The premier 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 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.