The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, focused on polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunisation, digitalisation, financial inclusion and agriculture.
Recalling the Gates Foundation team’s visit to Pakistan earlier this month, the prime minister appreciated the foundation’s support in various sectors. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completely eradicating polio from Pakistan and thanked the foundation for its longstanding assistance.
Shehbaz Sharif also expressed his personal commitment to the polio eradication campaign. Bill Gates appreciated Pakistan’s ongoing efforts and said eliminating polio was essential to protecting future generations. He also acknowledged the prime minister’s guidance to provincial governments regarding the nationwide polio vaccination programme.
The prime minister described the Gates Foundation as a trusted partner in Pakistan’s socioeconomic development and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in public health, agriculture, digital innovation and artificial intelligence.
Shehbaz Sharif also briefed Bill Gates on agricultural reforms, highlighting efforts focused on innovation, biotechnology, climate adaptation, research and improving farmers’ capacity.
The two sides agreed to explore cooperation in developing improved seeds, livestock genetic enhancement and emerging agricultural technologies.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening and expanding the partnership for Pakistan’s sustainable development, technological progress and social sector improvement.