Nawaz, Kerry discuss regional situation

LONDON: US Secretary of State Senator John Kerry called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in London on Thursday, Radio Pakistan reported.

Both the leaders discussed matters of bilateral interest, and the overall regional situation of South Asia.

PM Nawaz is on a tour to the United Kingdom to attend the London Conference on Afghanistan.

Government focusing on poverty eradication

Talking to a delegation led by Managing Director, World Bank Sri Mulyani Indrawati on sidelines of the London Conference, PM Nawaz said the government is pursuing the agenda of development and reforms with special focus on poverty eradication and overcome energy crisis.

He said the government was trying to turn Pakistan's challenges into opportunities through sound economic planning, good governance and consistency in policy implementation.

The premier appreciated the role of World Bank in financing Tarbela IV, and said that preparatory work on Tarbela V had also started.

He lauded the Bank's assistance in construction of Dasu Hydropower project, and also appreciated that the IFC, a subsidiary of World Bank was providing $125 million to a holding company working for energy generation in Pakistan.

Government working to overcome energy crises

Nawaz said the Pakistan government had initiated short, mid and long-term energy projects to overcome the energy crisis.

While talking to the chief of Rostec Global Resources Andrei Korobov in London on Thursday, PM Nawaz said he hoped the corporation would play a role in strengthening Pakistan's energy sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief of Rostec Global Resources welcomed Prime Minister's interest in Rostec energy projects.

Rostec Global Resources is a Russian-based corporation in 2007 for civil, military and dual-purpose high-technology industrial product development, manufacture and export promotion.

PM appreciated British cooperation

British Secretary of State for International Development Justin Greening also called on PM Nawaz.

Greening said the British government was hopeful for social and economic growth in Pakistan, while Nawaz appreciated British cooperation in education, health and other sectors.