NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday met Chair of the Gates Foundation Bill Gates wherein he reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to ensure complete eradication of polio from the country.
During the meeting held on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly here, the Prime Minister thanked the Gates Foundation for its longstanding assistance in the important endeavor and expressed his personal commitment to polio eradication.
Recalling Gates Foundation Team’s recent visit to Pakistan earlier this month, the prime minister appreciated the Foundation’s engagement with Pakistan in support of polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunization, digitization, and financial inclusion.
Acknowledging Pakistan’s efforts under the Prime Minister’s leadership and his guidance to the provincial governments for the countrywide polio vaccine programme, Bill Gates stressed that polio eradication was vital to protect future generations from the crippling disease.
Prime Minister Shehbaz complimented the Gates Foundation for being a trusted partner in Pakistan’s socio-economic development and expressed interest in broadening collaboration in areas including public health, agriculture, digital innovation and artificial intelligence.
He also apprised Bill Gates of the agricultural reforms being undertaken by his government, with particular emphasis on innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience, research, and capacity-building for farmers.
The two sides agreed to explore opportunities for collaboration in the development of improved seeds, livestock genetics and emerging agricultural technologies.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued and constructive engagement with a view to further strengthening and expanding partnerships that support sustainable development, technological advancement and improved social sectors outcomes for the people of Pakistan.
While recalling his earlier visits, the Prime Minister extended an invitation to Bill Gates to undertake a visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience.
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