ISLAMABAD Staff Reporter
President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday held a farewell meeting with outgoing Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Media Wing, President Zardari appreciated the High Commissioner’s efforts during his tenure to strengthen relations between Pakistan and Australia. He noted that Hawkins’ contributions had significantly enhanced cooperation in political, economic, and defense sectors, while also helping deepen people-to-people contacts between the two nations.
The President said Pakistan and Australia have long enjoyed friendly and cooperative relations, founded on mutual respect and shared interests. He emphasized the need to further strengthen this partnership.
Commenting on economic relations, President Zardari acknowledged the upward trend in bilateral trade but pointed out that it still falls short of its full potential. He called for intensified efforts to expand trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.
During the meeting, High Commissioner Hawkins briefed the President on his recent visit to Sindh and discussed ongoing collaboration in the fields of agriculture and climate change. He expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the people of Pakistan and said he and his family would cherish the beautiful memories of their time in the country.
The High Commissioner also praised Pakistan’s rich diversity in ethnicity, language, religion, and cuisine, calling it a truly inspiring cultural experience.
President Zardari extended his best wishes for Hawkins’ future endeavors, expressing hope that he would carry fond memories of Pakistan and its people with him.