PM Imran suggests resumption of Pak-Aussie cricket to counterpart

Australian PM invites the premier to visit his country, notes Pakistan's positive role in Afghan peace process

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday out his weight behind resumption of bilateral cricket between Pakistan and Australia but linked it with improved Covid-19 situation during a telephonic conversation with his Aussie counterpart Scott Morrison.

The two leaders discussed cricket, Covid-19, Pakistan’s role in Afghan peace process, global debt relief initiative and how both the countries can further enhance mutually beneficial cooperation during the conversation.

“With improved on-ground situation, cricket between the two sides could also be resumed as Covid-19 pandemic situation improves,” PM Imran suggested while discussing bilateral matters and international issues of mutual interest. With the suggestion, PM Imran extended an invitation to the Australian prime minister to visit Pakistan at an early date.

PM Imran appreciated Australia’s impressive management of Covid-19 situation and highlighted the unprecedented global health and economic challenges posed by the pandemic.

He explained 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,” he was quoted as saying.

While particularly highlighting the adverse economic impact of Covid-19 on the developing countries, PM Imran also apprised his counterpart that he had called for the “Global Initiative on Debt Relief”, that is supported by Australia.

Expressing satisfaction at the level of bilateral relations between the two countries, PM Imran stressed that there existed huge potential for further enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation in diverse fields. Here, he suggested resumption of cricket between the two sides when the Covid-19 situation improves.

In the regional context, PM Imran 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. He also highlighted the potential for enhanced trade and increased regional connectivity among the dividends of peace in Afghanistan.

The official statement stated that PM Morrison shared his country’s efforts to manage Covid-19 pandemic. He also noted “Pakistan’s positive role in the Afghan peace process” and invited PM Imran to visit Australia.