Riyadh, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting in Riyadh, where they discussed ongoing health initiatives and the potential for broader cooperation in areas like IT and education.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting followed a panel discussion titled “Redefining the Global Health Agenda,” reflecting both leaders’ commitment to health and development. Prime Minister Sharif expressed gratitude for Gates’ congratulatory message on his re-election and highlighted their shared history of collaboration during Sharif’s previous tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab, particularly in polio eradication.

Gates praised the effective immunization and polio vaccine program previously led by Sharif in Punjab and advocated for its expansion across Pakistan to enhance the national immunization efforts. He reiterated the importance of eradicating polio to safeguard future generations from the disease.

In addition to health, the dialogue also covered advancements in immunization, nutrition, financial inclusion, and potential collaborations in IT, STEM education, and disaster management. Acknowledging the Gates Foundation’s role as a vital partner in Pakistan’s socio-economic progress, Prime Minister Sharif invited Gates to visit Pakistan again at his convenience, signaling ongoing and future collaborations.