Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Gates Foundation Chair Bill Gates on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, with discussions focusing on polio eradication, public health, agriculture, digital innovation and financial inclusion.
According to a government statement, Shehbaz Sharif recalled the Gates Foundation team’s recent visit to Pakistan and appreciated its support for polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunisation, digitisation and financial inclusion.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to completely eradicating polio and thanked the foundation for its longstanding support for the country’s eradication efforts.
Gates stresses importance of polio eradication
Gates acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate polio and stressed that eliminating the disease was important to protect future generations.
He also appreciated Shehbaz Sharif’s guidance to provincial governments regarding the countrywide polio vaccination programme, according to the statement.
Pakistan and the Gates Foundation have maintained a long-running partnership on polio and other public-health initiatives. The foundation has also supported Pakistan in areas including immunisation, nutrition and financial inclusion.
Pakistan seeks wider cooperation
Shehbaz Sharif described the Gates Foundation as a trusted partner in Pakistan’s socio-economic development and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in public health, agriculture, digital innovation and artificial intelligence.
The prime minister also briefed Gates on the government’s agricultural reforms, highlighting innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience, research and capacity-building for farmers.
The two sides agreed to explore potential cooperation in areas including improved seed varieties, livestock genetics and emerging agricultural technologies.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue engagement aimed at strengthening partnerships in sustainable development, technological advancement and social-sector development, according to the government statement.
Shehbaz Sharif also invited Gates to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience, recalling his previous visits to the country.
