UK is one of the largest & important bilateral development partners of Pakistan: Sardar Ayaz Sadiq

ISLAMABAD, August 22 (SABAH): Federal Minister for Economic and Political Affairs, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq warmly welcomed Ms. Annabel Gerry, Development Director of the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to the Ministry of Economic Affairs to discuss matters of mutual interest.

The Minister for Economic Affairs stated that the United Kingdom is one of the largest and important bilateral development partners of Pakistan. The Minister expressed satisfaction at the current status of bilateral relations between both nations and underlined the importance of exploring ways and means to further enhance the existing multifaceted partnership. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also highlighted the current flood situation of the country and expressed the need for collaboration in areas of strengthening flood resilience.

The Development Director, FCDO, Ms. Annabel Gerry also highlighted that the development cooperation between the two countries started in 1950s. The UK, through the erstwhile DFID (now Foreign Commonwealth Development Office-FCDO), has provided significant support for socio-economic development in Pakistan. She further apprised the Minister about the various development programs and areas in which the Government of the UK is working for enhancing collaboration. Those encompass various programs on infrastructure development financing, special focus on women empowerment and development projects related to them, provision of technical assistance in modernizing education sector of Pakistan and programs related to energy security and climate conservation.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed gratitude and appreciation on the assistance in diverse areas. He reiterated the need for assistance and grant in flood relief measures. The Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Muhammad Humair Karim, stated that Pakistan and the United Kingdom enjoy a cordial relationship, and that Pakistan is looking forward to further enhancing bilateral relations. He stressed on the revival of Development Partnership Agreement and Bilateral Assistance Talks to cover collaboration in different areas, and to align the areas of focus of the FCDO with the development priorities of Government of Pakistan.

In her concluding remarks, Ms. Gerry appreciated the officers of Economic Affairs Division for their support. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks from both sides.