Diplomacy: Boris, Shahbaz discuss cooperation

LAHORE: British Foreign Affairs Secretary Boris Johnson met with Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Friday to discuss matters of mutual interest, Pak-Britain relations, promotion of cooperation in different sectors and regional issues. The leaders also agreed to hold Jinnah Conference in London. Johnson appreciated the measures taken by Shahbaz for the development of Punjab especially for the uplift of education, health, infrastructure and other sectors. He said Britain attached extraordinary importance to its relations with Punjab, which was Punjab the economic engine of Pakistan. He added Britain would further promote cooperation with Punjab as well as strengthen partnership with the provincial government in different sectors. Johnson said there were vast opportunities of tourism in Punjab, especially in Lahore. He also stressed the need for strengthening trade and economic relations between Britain and Pakistan, saying British companies would explore possibilities of benefitting from extraordinary opportunities of investment in different sectors in Punjab and mutual contacts will be promoted as Pakistan has extraordinary significance and its economy is fast developing. Johnson welcomed the CM’s proposal to arrange Jinnah Conference in London, assuring him that all-out cooperation would be extended for the important event.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 26^th, 2016.