Mumtaz Hussain
NEW YORK: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif participated in the High-Level Meeting of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) convened in New York under the chairmanship of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
The meeting, held on the theme “Recommit to our Original Aspirations, United to Build a Brighter Future of Global Development,” brought together global leaders to reaffirm their shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held an informal interaction with Premier Li Qiang and also met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
His active participation in the proceedings reflected the exemplary nature of the Pakistan-China friendship and underlined the strength of their longstanding bilateral partnership.
The Prime Minister had, during his recent official visit to China, praised President Xi Jinping’s vision for the GDI, terming it a vital initiative for promoting sustainable development at both regional and global levels.
Meets Sri Lankan President
In a separate engagement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the margins of the UN General Assembly.
The talks covered a wide spectrum of areas, including high-level exchanges, expansion of bilateral trade, promotion of educational cooperation, cultural exchanges, and enhanced defense collaboration. The two leaders also deliberated on important regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Expressing satisfaction over the deep-rooted nature of Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations, both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties in the years to come.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s determination to advance cooperation with Sri Lanka across all sectors and lauded the close coordination between the two countries at various international platforms.
The two sides also agreed to increase cooperation in sports, with a particular focus on cricket, and emphasized the importance of remaining closely engaged to ensure steady progress in bilateral relations.
