PM Shehbaz appreciates the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support for Pakistan
NEW YORK, Sep 22 (SABAH): Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated His Royal Highness on the occasion of the 92nd National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He conveyed felicitations and greetings for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the people of Saudi Arabia. He also conveyed best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the brotherly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Prime Minister briefed the Crown Prince about the flood situation and the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness for the on-ground flood relief assistance provided by King Salman Humanitarian Aid & Relief Centre; setting up of air-bridge for delivering relief goods, and launching “Sahem” portal in the Kingdom for receiving donations from the general public for Pakistani flood victims. The Crown Prince conveyed condolences on the loss of precious lives and livelihood of the people caused by torrential monsoon rains and unprecedented floods in Pakistan. His Royal Highness assured continued support of the Kingdom for the flood affected people of Pakistan.
The Prime Minister appreciated the Kingdom’s steadfast support for Pakistan and apprised the Crown Prince of the progress of ongoing initiatives between the two brotherly countries including a robust economic partnership marked by enhanced investments and collaboration in the energy sector. The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met David R. Malpass, President of the World Bank Group on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly Session in New York. They discussed World Bank’s ongoing engagement with Pakistan to strengthen its infrastructure, agriculture, rural and urban development, social service, as well as economic growth.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the World Bank’s partnership with Pakistan and informed him about the government’s steps to introduce economic policies focused on strengthening the economy, price stability and maintaining the sustainability of the external and fiscal sectors. He also elucidated the government’s pressing requirements for additional investment and financial resources from global community to mitigate the devastating impact of climate change on the people and economy of Pakistan. The Prime Minister apprised him of the devastating impacts of the unprecedented catastrophic floods in Pakistan.
He thanked the World Bank Group for repurposing the funds toward flood relief activities and providing US$ 372 million. He underlined that Pakistan made little contribution to climate change, yet it faced the impacts disproportionately. The President stressed that Pakistan must be prioritized for resilient reconstruction through the international community’s collective support. David R. Malpass expressed sympathies and condolences over the loss and destruction caused by floods. He also expressed the World Bank Group’s readiness to support Pakistan in its reconstruction and rehabilitation endeavours. He also committed to the repurposing of US$ 850 million immediately to help Pakistan with its flood relief efforts. The two sides also agreed to continue working together to strengthen governance and service delivery in Pakistan through institutional reforms.