PM Shehbaz meets UK minister to discuss development, climate and regional cooperation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday met Baroness Jenny Chapman, UK Minister of State for International Development and Africa, to discuss bilateral cooperation on development, climate change, economic engagement and regional issues.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Baroness Chapman, who is currently on an official visit to Pakistan, spoke with the Prime Minister at the Prime Minister’s home.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation in key sectors. Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan and the United Kingdom share long-standing relations rooted in common history, strong institutional ties and mutual respect.

He also highlighted the role of the British Pakistani diaspora in strengthening people-to-people ties and acting as a bridge between the two countries.

Welcoming the visit, the Prime Minister described it as an important opportunity to advance bilateral engagement and expressed confidence that it would help further consolidate the Pakistan-UK partnership.

Earlier this week, Baroness Chapman also met with Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, where the two sides discussed cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, according to a Foreign Office spokesperson.

Dar highlighted the important role of the Pakistani-British community as a vital bridge between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, the spokesperson said.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on regional and international developments, including ongoing international peace efforts related to Gaza.