ISLAMABAD: Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Neil Hawkins called on Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Shazia Marri at Benazir Income Support Programme Headquarters here. Shazia Marri expressed her gratitude on behalf of government as well as people of Pakistan for announcement of 2 million dollar humanitarian assistance by Government of Australia.

Keeping in view the current devastating situation, Pakistan needs help from global community, she added. Benazir Income Support Programme rolled out its operations in flood affected areas within no time and presently flood relief activities are operational in 69 districts by establishing more than 400 payment sites, she said. Minister congratulated Neil Hawkins for his appointment as Australian High Commissioner. I am confident that bilateral relations between two countries will further be strengthened during your tenure, she said. Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Australia which is rooted in commonality of interests, close people to people contacts and shared passion for cricket and there is enormous scope for enhancement of mutually beneficial economic, trade and investment opportunities, she added. She appreciated Australian’s support during recent Plenary Meeting of FATF held in Berlin in June 2022. As Pakistan offers large pool of highly skilled human resource, therefore, Pakistan would like to develop comprehensive partnership with Australia in economic, trade, education and defense, agriculture, climate and science and technology.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 03 2022

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