Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday welcomed the positive momentum in Pakistan–Australia relations and underscored the need to expand bilateral trade and investment, identifying agriculture and livestock as key sectors with significant potential for enhanced cooperation.
The remarks were made during a courtesy call by Australia’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Pakistan, Tim Kane, at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad. Felicitating the high commissioner on his appointment, the prime minister expressed confidence that his tenure would further strengthen the long-standing and friendly ties between the two countries, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Highlighting opportunities for Australian investment, the prime minister welcomed Canberra’s interest in Pakistan’s mining and minerals sector, citing the Reko Diq project as a “shining example” of the country’s vast untapped potential. He said Pakistan was keen to attract quality foreign investment that could contribute to sustainable economic growth.
During the meeting, the prime minister conveyed Pakistan’s deepest condolences over the tragic loss of innocent lives in the terrorist shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on December 14. He unequivocally condemned the “cowardly act of terrorism” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Australia in its hour of grief.
Emphasising that terrorism had no religion, the prime minister stressed the need for collective global action to eradicate the menace in all its forms and manifestations.
Shehbaz Sharif also lauded the role of the Pakistani diaspora in Australia, describing it as a vital bridge between the two nations. He noted that Pakistan and Australia shared strong people-to-people linkages and cultural ties, underpinned by their mutual passion for cricket.
The prime minister conveyed his warm greetings to the Australian leadership and said he looked forward to working closely with them to further deepen bilateral relations.
High Commissioner Tim Kane thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome and expressed Australia’s strong desire to enhance cooperation with Pakistan across all areas of mutual interest.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch were also present during the meeting.