ISLAMABAD: On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif met
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Sunday, said a statement issued by the Prime Minister Office.
This was the first meeting between the prime minister and the IMF chief since his re-election. They last met in Paris in June 2023 on the margins of the Summit for New Global Financial Pact.
Mr Sharif thanked Ms Georgieva for her support to Pakistan in securing the $3 billion Standby Arrangement (SBA) from IMF last year that was now nearing its completion. The IMF executive board is expected to meet on Monday to decide on the final tranche of $1.1 billion under SBA.
The MD of IMF appreciated the leadership of the prime minister for timely securing SBA last year.
The prime minister informed the MD IMF that his government was fully committed to put Pakistan’s economy back on track. He had directed his financial team, led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to carry out structural reforms, ensure strict fiscal discipline and pursue prudent policies that would ensure macro-economic stability and sustained economic growth.
Both sides also discussed Pakistan entering into another IMF program to ensure that the gains made in the past year are consolidated and its economic growth trajectory remains positive.
MD IMF shared her institution’s perspective on the ongoing program with Pakistan, including the review process. The Prime Minister also extended a cordial invitation to the MD IMF to visit Pakistan at her convenience.
Meeting with Amir of Kuwait
The prime minister also met the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and thanked him for his congratulatory letter upon his re-election.
While congratulating Sheikh Sabah on assuming the role of Amir, the prime minister expressed his desire to work closely with him to transform bilateral ties into a mutually beneficial economic partnership that would serve the best interests of the peoples of both countries.
Pakistan and Kuwait had signed a number of MoUs and agreements to deepen cooperation in trade and investment in November 2023.
In addition to bilateral ties, the regional situation, particularly with regards to the crisis in Gaza, was also discussed.
The Prime Minister reiterated his invitation to the Amir of Kuwait to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience.
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