New York (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday held meetings with Kristalina Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the presidents of World Bank (WB) and European Union (EU) on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the PM's Office on Thursday.
During the meeting with the IMF chief, the premier appreciated the global lender’s technical assistance and capacity-building programmes, which have helped strengthen the country’s institutions and improve its economic management.
Appreciating the collaboration with IMF for a successful Staff Level Agreement (SLA) for a 37-month, USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Pakistan, the prime minister highlighted the government’s commitment to implementing structural reforms and promoting private sector development.
The IMF managing director expressed the Fund’s support for Pakistan’s efforts and emphasized the importance of maintaining macroeconomic stability and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.
During the meeting, they also discussed the urgent need to mobilize adaptation financing for climate change.
The prime minister agreed to have the finance minister take up this critical issue with senior management at the IMF during the Annual Meetings in October.
The two leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation between the government and the IMF to promote economic stability and growth.
During meeting with President of the World Bank (WB) Ajaypal Singh Banga, PM Shehbaz appreciated the WB’s continuous support to the Government of Pakistan in introducing critical economic reforms and addressing Pakistan’s economic challenges, including poverty reduction and infrastructure development.
He apprised the WB president of the government’s steps, involving policy, administrative and organizational reforms, to realize the full potential of the economy and to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The premier added that the government has also implemented reforms, particularly in energy, finance, and revenue sectors and Pakistan looks forward to enhanced support from the World Bank for the government’s revitalized economic reforms agenda.
He stressed exploring innovative financing solutions for Pakistan’s development projects, including water management, energy, and human development.
In meeting with President of the European Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen, a wide array of topics, including bilateral relations, and regional and global issues came under discussion during the meeting.
PM Shehbaz congratulated Ms Ursula on her re-election as the President of the European Commission and commended her unwavering commitment to advancing the interests of the European Union.
The prime minister emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening its relationship with the European Union, underlining the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation in advancing shared goals.
Commenting on the GSP Plus Scheme, the prime minister mentioned that Pakistan had demonstrated consistent political commitment to fully implement the GSP Plus-related international conventions.
This exchange between the prime minister and the EU president underscores the commitment of Pakistan to proactive engagement and collaboration on a global scale on issues of mutual interests.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met Bill Gates, founder and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).
During the meeting the premier reiterated Pakistan's unwavering commitment to ensure complete eradication of polio from the country.
Recalling Bill Gates' recent visit to Pakistan in June this year, PM Shehbaz Minister thanked him for the invitation to visit the Gates Foundation in Seattle in December 2024.
He also appreciated the Gates Foundation's engagement and support to Pakistan on polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunization, digitization, and financial inclusion.
PM Shehbaz thanked the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for its longstanding support in this effort and underscored the need for sustained efforts and supports to Pakistan, particularly for health system strengthening and maternal and child nutrition in this regard.
Acknowledging Pakistan's efforts, Bill Gates stressed polio eradication is vital to protect its future generations from this crippling disease.
He appreciated the prime minister's personal supervision and engagement of the provincial governments in the polio vaccine programme across the country.
Bill Gates shared updates on a comprehensive Health Dialogue with Afghanistan and requested support for the initiative.
He also communicated his willingness to focus more on the pockets where the number of missed children or refusal of polio vaccines is higher, especially where the morbidity of children is greater.
Bill Gates also shared with the Prime Minister on King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre's support for polio and other health relief-related initiatives.
He also apprised the premier about his foundation's work on nutrition especially the micronutrients for pregnant women and how it can be increased by providing them additional vitamins in support of UNICEF.
The prime minister complimented the Gates Foundation for its Polio campaign in Gaza, given the challenges there and the plight of children. He emphasized on immediate ceasefire and the resolution of the conflict as per the UN Resolutions.
PM Shehbaz also complimented Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for being a trusted ally in Pakistan's socio-economic development and expressed interest in broadening collaboration in areas such as information technology, STEM education, agriculture, and livestock.