Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif held wide ranging talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Microsoft head Bill Gates on the sidelines of the 70th UNGA Session in New York on Saturday.
During the meeting with German Chancellor Merkel, the Prime Minister thanked her for Germany's support to Pakistan in a number of spheres, particularly in securing GSP Plus trade concessions.
Germany and Pakistan enjoy a bilateral trade volume of US $2.5 billion, which has tremendous potential for growth in coming years. He also invited German investment in Pakistan, particularly through use of German technology and technical expertise in developing Thar coal, one of the largest coal reserves in the world.
The two leaders discussed a wide range of bilateral issues including trade, energy, health, education, agriculture, automobile industry etc. On the regional situation, the Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan's efforts to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan as well as attempts to improve ties with India.
Merkel appreciated the significant progress made by Pakistan in its efforts to counter terrorism. She also acknowledged Pakistan's contribution in bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.
Stefan Lofven, Prime Minister of Sweden, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif earlier on Thursday on the sidelines of the 70th UNGA Session in New York.
The Prime Minister thanked Lofven for Sweden's support to Pakistan in securing GSP Plus status. The Current bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Sweden is US $439 million, which has the potential to increase in the coming years. The Prime Minister invited Swedish companies to benefit from the attractive investment opportunities in Pakistan.
Both leaders exchanged views on a number of issues including renewable energy, trade, health, education and the role of Pakistani Diaspora in Sweden. Multilateral cooperation at the United Nations, including mutual support for candidatures to key international bodies was also discussed. On regional security, the Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan's efforts to support peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. He also stressed that Pakistan sought improved ties with India but without any preconditions.
The Swedish Prime Minister lauded Pakistan's successful military campaign against terrorists within the country. He also expressed deep appreciation and significant role of Pakistan in bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan.
During their meeting Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena discussed matters of bilateral importance including defence cooperation, trade enhancement, economic cooperation, people to people exchanges, culture and sports etc. Cooperation between both countries at multilateral fora such as the United Nations and SAARC also came under discussion.
The Prime Minister congratulated Sirisena on the success of his party in recent elections held in Sri Lanka on August 17, 2015. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that relations between the two countries would be further strengthened under the new government.
Nawaz Sharif also shared views with the Sri Lankan President on the regional situation, particularly with respect to India and Afghanistan.
The PM told the Sr Lankan President he looked forward to strengthening relations between the countries "We will never forget all the cooperation Pakistan has extended to Sri Lanka," the Sri Lankan President told the PM.
PM Sharif said he also hoped there would be more cricket between the two countries.
Bill Gates, Chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, also called on Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Saturday morning. The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation to Gates for his generous contribution to polio eradication efforts in the country.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of Pakistan to eradicate the menace of polio from the country. He briefed Gates on the steps taken by the Government in this regard, including the establishment of the Prime Minister's Task Force and the adoption of the National Emergency Action Plan on Polio Eradication which envisages to make Pakistan polio-free by the next polio transmission season in May 2016.
Gates expressed his deep appreciation for the commendable work in Pakistan under the leadership of the Prime Minister in controlling polio in Pakistan.
He particularly commended the emergency operations centers that have been put in place and are playing a critical role in bringing all relevant actors in one place.
He said that there was an excellent opportunity to get the number of polio cases to zero this year.
He said that the Prime Minister's personal engagement with this process has been the most encouraging factor.
The Gates Foundation is one of the key polio eradication partners of the Government of Pakistan, along with World Health Organization, Rotary International and other donors including the Government of UAE.
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