ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressing desire to elevate Pakistan-UK relationship to next level, emphasised importance of early conclusion of Enhanced Strategic Partnership (ESP) agreement.

PM in meeting with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott highlighted government’s priorities, in particular importance of navigating through economic challenges facing country.

In this regard, he underscored need to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, climate and people-to-people contacts as well as developing convergences on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

Shehbaz thanked British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron for their messages of felicitation on his re-election and said that he looked forward to working closely with UK leadership to further strengthen bilateral relations.

He said Pakistan and UK had longstanding, historic relations and shared immense political goodwill while cooperating closely over wide range of areas.

He called for early resumption of PIA flights between Pakistan and UK to help strengthen linkages between two countries and assuage concerns of 1.6 million strong Pakistani diaspora in UK.

He requested High Commissioner to convey his best wishes to King Charles III and prayed for his early recovery to full health. He expressed hope that King would visit Pakistan, as soon as his health permitted him to travel.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 21 2024

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