Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton met Punjab Governor Ch Mohammad Sarwar and Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar at the Lahore Airport lounge on Thursday and discussed matters of mutual interest, including promotion of Pakistan-UK relations. British High Commissioner to Pakistan Thomas Drew was also present.
Usman Buzdar welcomed the visiting royal guests and said that he is heartened to receive them in Lahore, the heartland of Pakistan. He said that Pakistanis have a deep respect for the British royal family and this visit depicts growing friendship between the two countries. The visit would further strengthen the bilateral relations, he added.
The CM briefed the guests about the development process including steps being taken for public welfare and added that UK's valuable cooperation for social sector development of Pakistan, especially Punjab province, is praiseworthy. Pakistan and the UK are moving side by side in the journey of development, he added.
He pointed out that UK's Department for International Development (DFID) has extended valuable cooperation to Punjab province in different sectors, adding that it is the best partner for social sector development.
He said the Punjab government believes in durable uplift of social sector and the development of backward areas has been especially focused. Steps were being taken to remove the sense of deprivation by developing far-flung areas and provision of necessary facilities to the people is an important priority of the government, added Buzdar.
The chief minister reiterated that historically-important friendly relations exist between Pakistan and the United Kingdom and these ties were being further enhanced. He hoped this visit would help in the promotion of bilateral relations between the two countries.
Governor Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar, on the occasion, said that relations between Pakistan and Britain have always remained exemplary and the arrival of the British royal couple in Lahore is a momentous opportunity.
Chief Minister Usman Buzdar presented painting and traditional stick made of olive wood to Prince William and shawl to Princess Kate Middleton as gifts. Governor Punjab Ch. Sarwar also presented gifts to the royal couple.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2019
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