Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing trade, economic cooperation, and people-to-people contacts with the United Kingdom. Addressing a ceremony at the British High Commission in Islamabad, commemorating the 78th birthday of King Charles III, the Prime Minister highlighted the longstanding ties between the two nations.

According to Radio Pakistan, Prime Minister Sharif extended his congratulations to King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and the people of the United Kingdom. He lauded King Charles’s dedication to public service and global initiatives. The Prime Minister noted the bilateral trade volume has reached approximately 5.5 billion pounds and emphasized the potential for further expansion.

Prime Minister Sharif highlighted opportunities for collaboration in technology, renewable energy, agriculture, minerals, and textiles, citing Pakistan’s economic stability. He mentioned the resumption of Pakistan International Airlines’ direct flights to Heathrow from Islamabad and Lahore as a significant development in strengthening bilateral ties.

Speaking on the Pakistani diaspora, the Prime Minister recognized the contributions of the 1.7 million British citizens of Pakistani heritage in fortifying relations. He reiterated the shared belief in peace as a foundation for prosperity, pointing to Pakistan’s facilitation in dialogues between the United States and Iran.

He acknowledged the UK’s support for Pakistan’s regional peace efforts and expressed pride in being part of the Commonwealth under King Charles III’s leadership. The Prime Minister appreciated British High Commissioner Jane Marriott’s role in fostering economic and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, in her remarks, expressed gratitude for the hospitality she received in Pakistan and emphasized the potential for further cooperation in education, culture, and trade.