Islamabad, 2 September 2022 (TDI): Neil Hawkins, High Commissioner of Australia to Pakistan, called on Shazia Marri, Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety of Pakistan, at Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) Headquarters.
@AusHCPak calls on Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, @ShaziaAttaMarri at @bisp_pakistan pic.twitter.com/RL79TEt57r
— Benazir Income Support Programme (@bisp_pakistan) September 2, 2022
During the meeting, Federal Minister Shazia Marri expressed her gratitude on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan for the announcement of 2 million USD humanitarian assistance by Australia for the flood-affected areas in Pakistan.
Keeping in view the flood situation in Pakistan, the Federal Minister emphasized that the country needs help from the global community in these difficult times.
Further, Federal Minister Shazia Marri highlighted that Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) rolled out its operations in the flood-affected areas timely. She added that presently the flood relief activities by BISP are operational in 69 districts of the country.
Moreover, Pakistan’s Federal Minister congratulated Neil Hawkins on his appointment as the High Commissioner of Australia in Pakistan.
She stated that “I am confident that the bilateral relations between the two countries will further be strengthened during your tenure.”
In addition, Shazia Marri underscored that Pakistan attaches great significance to its ties with Australia which are rooted in the commonality of interests as well as a shared passion for cricket.
The Federal Minister also mentioned there is enormous scope for enhancement of mutually beneficial economic, trade, and investment opportunities between the two countries.
Further, she appreciated Australia’s support to Pakistan during the Plenary Meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which was held in Berlin, in June 2022.
Neil Hawkins is the newly appointed High Commissioner of Australia to Pakistan. He presented his credentials to Pakistan’s President on July 1, 2022, and started his tenure in Islamabad.
Also Read: High Commissioner of Australia to Pakistan calls on Prime Minister
Pakistan and Australia ties
The two states established their diplomatic relations in 1947. Pakistan and Australia collaborate in several areas of mutual interest including security, human rights, and economics including trade, and investment.
Moreover, strong people-to-people linkages also strengthen the relations between the two states. Australia has also been providing development assistance to Pakistan for the last 70 years.
