NEW YORK:
On the eve of his address at the 69th annual session of the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday appealed to world leaders to invest in Pakistan and promised them “a fully secure environment” there.
The prime minister made the appeal during separate meetings with his Norwegian and Nepalese counterparts. He was assisted by his special assistant on foreign affairs Tariq Fatemi, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry and the country’s representative at the UN, Masood Khan.
Nawaz assured both the leaders that Pakistan is an investment-friendly country and promised that his government will provide blanket security for foreign investment.
The prime minister called upon Norwegian Premier Erna Solberg to specially invest in Pakistan’s energy sector, reminding her how crucial it would be for his energy-starved country. Solberg responded positively and assured him of cooperation in the alternative energy sector.
The premier also discussed investment opportunities in the country with US billionaire investor and philanthropist George Soros late Wednesday. He spoke with Soros about measures taken by the government to universalise primary education and increase investment in Pakistan.
PM Nawaz also appreciated the foundation’s work in the country, including its rehabilitation and reconstruction projects after the 2005 earthquake and the recent floods.
On Thursday, Nawaz held a meeting with Nepal’s Prime Minister Sushil Koirala wherein both leaders discussed the situation prevailing in the region, as well as cooperation between the two states in several sectors.
Prime Minister Nawaz will deliver an important speech at the UN General Assembly session, touching on key issues, including his country’s relations with Afghanistan and India. His address to the UN session will take place at 2200 hours Pakistan standard time today (Friday).
Earlier in the day, Nawaz will meet Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. His important meeting with US Vice President Joe Biden will be held in the afternoon, which is scheduled to last for one hour.
Sources say the one-on-one meeting between Nawaz and Biden will focus on Pakistan-US relations, as well as regional issues.
The prime minister will later see his Maltese counterpart and then co-chair the UN peacekeeping summit. The US vice president, UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon as well as Bangladeshi and Japanese country heads will also take part in the summit.
Afterwards, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will return to Pakistan on Saturday.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 26th, 2014.
COMMENTS (15)
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@safenation: you sure have keen eye and sharp sense of humour.
He met the Norwegian PM in an elevator? Is he stalking people getting into the elevator?
Haters should know that the one hated does not suffer as much as the haters.
@safenation: Shows your interest.
What's the other guy focused on?
@Iqbal Hadi Zaidi: Your comment is a perfect explanation of "Go Nawaz Go's" character, says Baby.
No matter how hard his chosen media team try to make him look important in NY.....he just can't help coming across as a DUD.
Just answer a simple question Mr Nawaz as I know you may need the help of an advisor here too, please tell us why do you and your family invest all your money outside Pakistan?
Yeah, right, No but thanks very much Mr. George Soros, we see enough of you in late 90s Asian Market Crises.
The learned ones does not need the shouting capacity of Imran Khan to understand that the PM Sharif does not have strategic n dynamic vision, he is just the numbers guy.
regards,
Maybe the PM should start by investing his own money in Pakistan? Like Imran Khan.
Read the sign!!!! Its in the elevator and no specific engagement. Looks like "Go Nawaz Go" did not get to meet anyone, even while putting up at the Walldorf-Astoria.
Compare NS's engagements with Modi. "Go Nawaz Go" should be able to decipher what a poor image he is in this world.
Even your best friend China won't visit Islamabad because of security reasons --- tells you what they think of PM assurance for "full security environment". The harsh reality is that there has been an obvious disconnect between Pakistani rhetoric and reality for a long time. It's called credibility - something you no longer have.