Shehbaz, Starmer agree to further strengthen Pakistan-UK ties

• PM apprises Starmer of govt's measures for economic growth.
• Shehbaz also meets European Commission president on sidelines.
• PM appreciates Bill Gates' support for polio eradication.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and UK Premier Keir Starmer on Thursday agreed to further strengthen bilateral ties in various sectors, especially trade and investment.

During a meeting on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the two sides discussed matters of mutual interests and bilateral relations between the two countries.

The prime minister apprised his British counterpart of the country's current economic situation and the government's measures being taken for the development and growth of the country's economy especially the efforts made in implementing the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) tax reforms and expanding the tax base.

Additionally, PM Shehbaz also informed about the challenges Pakistan faced due to the adverse effects of climate change.

He highlighted Pakistan's sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, emphasising that terrorism was a global issue that required collective action from the international community.

The premier noted that the UK was the third-largest investor in Pakistan and discussed the investment opportunities and projects available in the country.

While mentioning the significant role of Pakistanis residing in the UK in the development of both countries, the prime minister expressed a desire to utilise their contributions effectively to achieve mutual development goals.

PM's other meetings on UNGA sidelines

Premier Shehbaz also met the president of the European Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen, on the sidelines of the UNGA session.

A wide array of topics, including bilateral relations, and regional and global issues came under discussion during the meeting.

The prime minister congratulated Ursula on her re-election as the European Commission's president and commended her unwavering commitment to advancing the interests of the European Union (EU).

He emphasised Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening its relationship with the EU, underlining the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation in advancing shared goals.

Commenting on the GSP Plus Scheme, PM Shehbaz mentioned that Pakistan had demonstrated consistent political commitment to fully implement the GSP Plus-related international conventions.

This exchange between the prime minister and the EU president underscores the commitment of Pakistan to proactive engagement and collaboration on a global scale on issues of mutual interests.

Moreover, PM Shehbaz met Bill Gates, founder and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).

Recalling Gates’ recent visit to Pakistan in June this year, the prime minister thanked him for the invitation to visit the Gates Foundation in Seattle in December 2024.

He also appreciated the Gates Foundation’s engagement and support to Pakistan on polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunisation, digitisation, and financial inclusion.

Acknowledging Pakistan’s efforts, Gates stressed polio eradication was vital to protect future generations from this crippling disease. He appreciated the prime minister’s personal supervision and engagement of the provincial governments in the polio vaccine programme across the country.