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

News Desk

New York: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Talking to the media after his meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in New York, he said the hearts of people of Pakistan beat with the hearts of Palestinian people.

The Prime Minister strongly condemned Israeli atrocities in Gaza over the last one year. He said this kind of barbarism has not been witnessed by mankind for ages.

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He emphasized that the time has come to collectively demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the creation of a State of Palestine, without which peace cannot be restored in the region.

Shehbaz Sharif asserted that the sacrifices of the Palestinian people will not go in vain, and will ultimately lead to an independent State of Palestine.

In his remarks, Mahmoud Abbas acknowledged that Pakistan has consistently supported the Palestinian cause.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to ensure complete eradication of polio from the country.

He highlighted this resolve of the country during his meeting with Bill Gates, the founder and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Recalling Bill 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, immunization, digitization, and financial inclusion.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York. Appreciating the collaboration with IMF for successful Staff Level Agreement (SLA) for a 37 month, USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Pakistan, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to implementing structural reforms and promoting private sector development.

The Prime Minister also expressed appreciation for the IMF’s technical assistance and capacity-building programs, which have helped to strengthen the country’s institutions and improve its economic management.

The IMF Managing Director expressed the Fund’s support for Pakistan’s efforts and emphasized the importance of maintaining macroeconomic stability and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.

During the meeting, they also discussed the urgent need of mobilizing adaptation financing for climate change. The Prime Minister agreed to have the Finance Minister take up this critical issue with senior management at the IMF during the Annual Meetings in October.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening its relationship with the European Union.

He was talking to European Commission President Ms. Ursula Von Der Leyen at a meeting with her, on the margins of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Prime Minister further underlined the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation in advancing shared goals.

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

The discussions encompassed a wide array of topics, including bilateral relations, regional and global issues.

The Prime Minister congratulated Ms. Ursula on her re-election as the President of the European Commission and commended her unwavering commitment to advancing the interests of the European Union.

This exchange between the Prime Minister and the President of European Commission underscores the commitment of Pakistan to proactive engagement and collaboration on a global scale on the issues of mutual interests.