Islamabad: A meeting between Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal, a member of the Pakistan-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Neil Hawkins, the High Commissioner of Australia to Pakistan, was held at the Australian High Commission in Islamabad to discuss advancing bilateral ties and exploring new avenues of collaboration. This meeting underscores the commitment of both nations to reinforce a longstanding partnership built on mutual respect and shared values.
According to National Assembly of Pakistan, Dr. Kharal and Mr. Hawkins engaged in discussions on enhancing the role of Parliamentary Friendship Groups to foster a closer relationship between Pakistan and Australia. Both parties recognized the significant contributions these groups make in promoting parliamentary diplomacy and facilitating meaningful exchanges between the Parliaments of both nations.
The meeting covered several key areas of cooperation, including expanding joint tourism initiatives to encourage cultural exchange and economic growth, strengthening ties in sports with a focus on cricket and hockey, enhancing collaborative efforts to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability, and identifying areas for joint initiatives in public health and family planning.
Dr. Kharal and Mr. Hawkins highlighted the comprehensive scope of the Pakistan-Australia relationship, which spans sectors such as trade, education, agriculture, sports, tourism, culture, and diplomatic engagement. They reiterated their commitment to parliamentary diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of parliamentary exchanges and people-to-people connections. Dr. Kharal extended an invitation to Mr. Hawkins to visit her constituency, Nankana Sahib, in the province of Punjab.
In recognizing the cultural and religious diversity of both countries, they discussed establishing a “Cultural Corridor” to promote religious tourism. This initiative aims to celebrate the rich heritage of both nations by encouraging exploration of historic religious sites, fostering understanding and respect for each country’s spiritual traditions and cultural values.
Both parties acknowledged the importance of upholding the rights of minorities, emphasizing the need to protect and promote the social, cultural, and political rights of minority communities. They stressed that fostering inclusivity and respect for diversity is a shared value and priority for both Pakistan and Australia.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to further strengthen Pakistan-Australia relations, leveraging both parliamentary and technological channels to enhance bilateral cooperation.