Background
TDI Special: Pakistan and Australia share a longstanding connection based on common strategic pursuits, Commonwealth heritage, and strong community ties.
The diplomatic relations between both countries initiated after the establishment of Pakistan in 1947.
Since then, both sides have exchanged a number of diplomats who have played constructive roles in building and sustaining friendly Pak-Australia relations.
Hawkin’s Profile:
Neil Hawkins is an incumbent Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan who was assigned this distinguished position in July 2022.
Hawkins is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in Australia. Most recently, he held the position of Assistant Secretary, East Asia Political Branch.
Prior to this, he served as an Australian Ambassador to Egypt from 2015 to 2018.
Before that, Hawkins was an Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a non-resident Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Republic of Yemen.
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He completed his Bachelor’s in Arabic and Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter, United Kingdom, and pursued his Master’s in International Business from Murdoch University, Western Australia.
Hawkins speaks Arabic, which has helped him communicate better with Arab communities in his prior postings in Arab countries.
Pak-Australia Collaboration Under Neil Hawkins:
Neil Hawkins is actively working in Pakistan on different projects in the areas of agriculture, climate change, water security, healthcare, sports, and human rights.
Australia supports Pakistan in reproductive health services for women and collaborates with multiple non-profit organizations in Pakistan to alleviate food insecurity and malnutrition.
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The organizations include the World Food Program, UNICEF, CARE, Marie Stopes, and IPPF Global.
It also works with UNHCR, WFP, and UNFPA to support refugees in Pakistan and provide them with access to basic health and livelihood needs.
Moreover, Australia is also committed to nurturing religious harmony and tolerance in Pakistani society.
In his tenure, the incumbent Australian High Commissioner has met with various religious leaders from different provinces to enhance interfaith harmony and foster peace in the country.
Additionally, Australia’s efforts in combating climate change are evident from its commitment to cooperate with Pakistani farmers, academics, and policymakers to promote eco-friendly agricultural practices.
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Furthermore, the Australian Government also collaborates with Pakistan in the field of security, including counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism, defense, and law enforcement training.
The Pakistan-Australia Joint Working Group on Border Management and Transnational Crime advocates partnership in the fight against transnational crime, including terrorism and terrorist financing, as well as illegal migration.
Hawkin’s Love for Pakistani Culture:
The Australian High Commissioner has admired visiting historic places and has savored delicious Pakistani food, which can be seen on his X account.
His visits to famous and beautiful places in different parts of the country have made him feel delighted.
This year, he celebrated Eid-ul-Adha with his wife and enjoyed having the traditional sweet dish of Pakistan, Sawaiyyan, which is prepared on Eid every year in Pakistani households.
Future Prospects for Pak-Australia Relations:
The future prospects for Pakistan-Australia relations are good, owing to similar interests in trade, security, and regional stability.
Both countries have shown desire to strengthen ties, particularly through increasing economic cooperation, educational exchanges, and people-to-people connections.
Read more: Australian High Commissioner attended Pakistan Water Week
Australia’s role as a significant aid contributor, as well as its developing trading links with Pakistan, may be strengthened even further, particularly in agriculture, mining, and technology.
Furthermore, cricket diplomacy has long been a soft power instrument between the two countries, and it continues to serve as a foundation for cultural and diplomatic exchanges.
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