Islamabad, 23 March 2022 (TDI): Bryce Hutchesson, Australia’s Chargé d’Affaires in Pakistan, said on Tuesday, that Australia has always backed Pakistan’s efforts to promote prosperity and inclusive development, such as through water management, rural production, and gender equality.
“I congratulate the people and the government of Pakistan in celebrating the 82nd anniversary of the passing of the Pakistan Resolution – the proposal adopted in Lahore in 1940 which foreshadowed Pakistan’s creation,” Hutchesson, said in a statement issued on Pakistan Day.
This Pakistan Day, as Islamabad hosts the 48th Organization of Islamic Cooperation Summit, under the theme, “Building Partnerships for Unity, Justice, and Development”, Australia is pleased to be attending as a guest to promote closer engagement on the agenda that is important to all. He remarked that Australia has been a faithful friend to Pakistan since the latter’s independence.
Pakistan and Australia share a rich cultural past, which is exemplified by the two countries’ mutual passion for cricket. “The goodwill surrounding the current tour of Pakistan by the Australian cricket team has been heart-warming and shows yet again the hospitality for which Pakistanis are renowned,” he remarked. Hutchesson stated that Australia has stood with Pakistan in the face of COVID-19, enhancing disease detection capacities and giving humanitarian help. According to him, the governments of both countries have collaborated on transnational security concerns.
“All this provides a solid foundation for strengthening our bilateral ties, underpinned by a vibrant Pakistani-origin community in Australia now approaching 90,000 people. With the easing of travel restrictions, Australia looks forward to welcoming many Pakistanis to our shores in 2022 and beyond, including Pakistani students returning to our world-class educational institutions,” he said.
The growing trade and business connections, he added, will help both nations recover economically after the epidemic. “There are many opportunities for mutual benefit, particularly in education and agriculture. Australia’s excellence in innovation, science, and technology provides fertile opportunities for business-to-business collaboration,” he said.
Pakistan-Australia relations:
Australia has long-standing and expanding connections with Pakistan, which are strengthened by stronger people-to-people contacts. Following Pakistan’s split from India in 1947, diplomatic connections were established, and Australia has maintained a resident mission in the nation since 1948.
