Kenyan President Dr. William Ruto assures PM Shehbaz of full support & cooperation in journalist Arshad Sharif murder case

The two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual interest. Highlighting the significance Pakistan attached to its relations with Africa, the Prime Minister conveyed Pakistan’s strong desire to strengthen its historical ties with Kenya in all areas of cooperation. During the call, the Prime Minister raised the issue of renowned Pakistani Journalist, late Arshad Sharif, who was murdered in Kenya. The Prime Minister thanked the President for the cooperation extended to Pakistani investigation teams so far.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan attached great importance to the late Arshad Sharif’s case and requested for further cooperation from the Kenyan side during the course of investigation in bringing the matter to a closure for the family and people of Pakistan. Kenyan President assured the Prime Minister of full support and cooperation in the matter.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone call on Monday with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Mark Rutte. The Prime Minister appreciated the humanitarian assistance of the Dutch government for the flood victims in Pakistan as well as support of Dutch water experts in preparing Pakistan’s Resilient, Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Framework. Both leaders further agreed to continue cooperation on issues related to climate change. Both leaders also took stock of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction at its positive trajectory. They agreed to further enhance trade and economic relations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited the Dutch companies to invest in the areas of agriculture, horticulture, water management and renewable energy. The two leaders also discussed important global and regional issues of mutual interest including the situation in IIOJK, Afghanistan and Ukraine. The Prime Minister also stressed the need for the international community to raise a collective voice against Islamophobia and work together for promoting inter-faith harmony and peaceful co-existence, for which mutual respect and religious tolerance are a must. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Netherlands. The two Prime Ministers agreed to celebrate this milestone in a befitting manner.