Pakistan has invited Prime Minister Scott Morrison for an official visit to augment friendly ties as both nations have a long history of friendship and cooperation.
The invitation was cordially extended by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan during a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister of Australia late on Monday.
Both leaders discussed bilateral matters and international issues of mutual interest.
Year 2020 saw several high level contacts between the political leaders of both countries. On April 09, foreign ministers of Pakistan and Australia held detailed telephonic conversation covering all aspects of bilateral relations.
Australian defence minister Linda Reynolds held a video conference with her Pakistani counterpart Pervez Khattak on August 17 and discussed defence, security, health and economic challenges.
Prime Minister Khan appreciated Australia’s impressive management of COVID-19 situation and highlighted the unprecedented global health and economic challenges posed by the pandemic.
He also noted that his government’s emphasis had been on saving lives, securing livelihoods, and stimulating the economy. The “smart lockdown” strategy and other measures taken by the government had led to significant containment of the pandemic in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister particularly highlighted the adverse economic impact of COVID-19 on the developing countries, for which he had also called for the “Global Initiative on Debt Relief” supported by Australia.
While expressing satisfaction at the level of bilateral relations between the two countries, the Prime Minister Khan stressed that there existed huge potential for further enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation in diverse fields.
“With improved on-ground situation, cricket between the two sides could also be resumed as COVID-19 pandemic situation improves”, he observed.
In the regional context, the Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s positive contribution to the Afghan peace process and stressed that peace in Afghanistan was of paramount importance for the region and Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister also highlighted the potential for enhanced trade and increased regional connectivity among the dividends of peace in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison shared his country’s efforts to manage COVID-19 pandemic.
He also noted Pakistan’s positive role in the Afghan peace process. Prime Minister Morrison also invited Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Australia.
