Islamabad, 18 August 2022(TDI): Neil Hawkin, High Commissioner of Australia to Pakistan called on Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at his office, on Thursday.
Newly appointed Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mr. Neil Hawkins called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier today.
Prime Minister appreciated the steady progress achieved in bilateral relations over the years. pic.twitter.com/CVtGg21WL5— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) August 18, 2022
The Prime Minister acknowledged the progress achieved in bilateral relations between Australia and Pakistan over the years. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s keen desire to further enhance cooperation.
Moreover, he emphasized increasing cooperation in various sectors including trade and investment, agriculture, livestock, education, and direct air links.
Further, the Prime Minister underlined the need to strengthen people-to-people contacts. The Australian High Commissioner on his part expressed the desire for further strengthening of bilateral ties between the two states.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister also highlighted the cooperation that Pakistan continues to extend to the international community amid the situation in Afghanistan, particularly since August 2021.
Moreover, High Commissioner Neil Hawkin conveyed gratitude for Pakistan’s role in the safe evacuation of people in Afghanistan. In addition, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif exchanged views on the Kashmir situation.
He highlighted that Pakistan desires peaceful ties with India, based on the principles of equity, justice, and mutual respect.
Further, he added that a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute according to UNSC principles and the wishes of the Kashmiri people was needed.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the facilitative role of the international community was essential in this regard, for promoting stability in South Asia.
Lastly, the Australian High Commissioner thanked the Prime Minister for receiving him. He also expressed his resolve to further increase the existing ties between Pakistan and Australia.
Previous Meetings
Earlier, Neil Hawkins, Australian High Commissioner held meetings with Baligh-ur-Rehman and Pervez Elahi, Governor and Chief Minister of Punjab.
Moreover, he also met with the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Sohail Mahmood on June 30. The dignitaries discussed the desire to develop a comprehensive partnership between the two states, during the meeting.
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.
