LAHORE: British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond called on Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and discussed matters of mutual interest, promotion of trade and economic cooperation, health, skill development and security affairs.
Shahbaz said that Pak-Britain relations have improved considerably during recent years, adding that new era of relations between both the countries has started during the current PML-N tenure.
The chief minister said that a lot of work is being carried out for the betterment of education, health and skill development sectors in Punjab with the collaboration of UK’s Department of International Development (DFID) and reforms have been introduced in education, health and skill development sectors.
He said that Punjab government is making investment for providing technical training to the youth and empowering them so that they could not only stand on their own feet and also play due role in strengthening of national economy. “Historic steps have been taken for empowering women and protecting their rights. Such reforms have been introduced for the development and prosperity of women during last few years through which they are demonstrating their capabilities in practical fields,” he added.
British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond speaking on the occasion said under the leadership Shahbaz Sharif, extraordinary work is being carried out in education, health and other sectors.
Hammond said that he is happy to see the proper utilisation of British taxpayers’ money in Punjab, adding that the province is marching forward to right direction in development field and he is going back with a good message from Pakistan. Advisor to Prime Minister Tariq Fatmi, Provincial Ministers Rana Sanaullah, Ayesha Ghous Pasha, Khalil Tahir Sindhu and British High Commissioner Thomas Drew were also present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, the chief minister presided over third meeting of Punjab Safe Cities Authority in which progress of some matters of the project was reviewed.
