ISLAMABAD-UNS: President Asif Ali Zardari received the outgoing Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mr. Neil Hawkins, for a farewell call at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
During the meeting, the President appreciated the High Commissioner’s dedicated efforts in further strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Australia. He acknowledged Mr. Hawkins’ valuable contributions to enhancing cooperation across a broad spectrum, including political, economic, and defence sectors, as well as promoting deeper people-to-people linkages.
President Zardari reaffirmed that Pakistan and Australia share longstanding, cordial, and cooperative ties grounded in mutual respect and common interests. He expressed confidence that the momentum built during Mr. Hawkins’ tenure would continue to foster greater collaboration in the years ahead.
Highlighting the economic dimension of the bilateral relationship, the President noted that while trade between the two countries has grown, there remains significant untapped potential. He underscored the need for both sides to intensify efforts to boost bilateral trade and investment.
Mr. Hawkins briefed the President on his recent visit to Sindh and ongoing bilateral cooperation in key areas such as agriculture and climate change. He expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to him and his family during their stay in Pakistan, describing the country’s rich ethnic, linguistic, religious, and culinary diversity as a source of vibrancy and dynamism.
President Zardari extended his best wishes to the outgoing High Commissioner in his future endeavours, expressing hope that he would carry with him cherished memories of Pakistan and its people.
