NEW YORK: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Gates Foundation Chair Bill Gates on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, with discussions focusing on public health, agriculture, digital innovation and Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
The prime minister recalled the Gates Foundation team’s recent visit to Pakistan and appreciated its continued engagement with the country in areas including polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunization, digitization and financial inclusion.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to completely eradicating polio from the country and thanked the Gates Foundation for its longstanding support. He also expressed his personal commitment to achieving the goal of a polio-free Pakistan.
Bill Gates acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts under the prime minister’s leadership and stressed that polio eradication was essential to protecting future generations from the disease. He also appreciated the prime minister’s guidance to provincial governments regarding the implementation of polio vaccination programmes across the country.
The prime minister described the Gates Foundation as a trusted partner in Pakistan’s socio-economic development and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in public health, agriculture, digital innovation and artificial intelligence.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz also briefed Bill Gates on the government’s agricultural reforms, highlighting initiatives focused on innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience, research and capacity-building for farmers.
The two sides agreed to explore opportunities for cooperation in improved seeds, livestock genetics and emerging agricultural technologies.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued and constructive engagement aimed at strengthening partnerships in sustainable development, technological advancement and social-sector improvement in Pakistan.
Recalling Bill Gates’ earlier visits to Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also invited him to visit the country again at his earliest convenience.