ISLAMABAD: Australia’s High Commissioner in Pakistan, Neil Hawkins, commemorated Australia Day in Spring with a lively reception, to mark the enduring bonds between Australia and Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister of Commerce Jam Mir Kamal Khan Alyani was the chief guest on the occasion. The minister in his speech emphasized further strengthening of Pakistan and Australia bilateral relations.
He said Australia and Pakistan enjoy friendly political, economic and defense ties. The minister said Pakistan attaches great importance and priority to its long-standing and growing relationship with Australia.
He noted that Australia has become an important development partner for Pakistan, providing support in all areas.
Jam Mir Kamal Khan said the bilateral trade volume between the two countries has reached $1 billion. The minister added the figure does not reflect the true trade potential between Australia and Pakistan.
He said Pakistan exports textile, rice, surgical, sports, and steel products to Australia and imports canola oil, chickpeas, pulses, corn, and some raw materials from the country.
He was of the view that there is much room for improvement in different areas of cooperation especially in the agricultural sector. He added Pakistan is keen to enhance its mango exports to Australia.
The minister went on to say Australia is home to 200,000 Pakistani diaspora who are contributing a lot to the development of the country.
In his speech, High Commissioner Hawkins highlighted the longstanding relationship and the mutual desire to capitalize on the dynamism in the two countries.
“Australia and Pakistan are both youthful nations with ancient civilizations. We share a federal governance system, along with rich cultural diversity, fragile ecosystems, and diverse biodiversity,” Mr. Hawkins commented.
He said that Australia remains a staunch advocate for a democratic, inclusive, prosperous, and stable Pakistan, in line with its Constitution. Stressing the significance of gender equality, the High Commissioner affirmed, “We are particularly enthusiastic about collaborating with our Pakistani counterparts to support their endeavors in empowering women and girls and unlocking their full potential.”
Hawkins further elaborated, “This year, we commemorate 40 years of collaboration between the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and Pakistan. Leveraging Australia’s own experiences, we have been assisting in the development of the agricultural sector and the adoption of sustainable water management practices, essential for both nations given the impacts of climate change. Additionally, we celebrate four decades of cooperation between our respective police agencies.”
“I am confident that the more than 100,000 Australian-Pakistanis and numerous Pakistani Australian alumni will foster closer ties between our countries. Furthermore, the increasing Australian engagement in Pakistan’s mining sector and the development of its burgeoning dairy industry are noteworthy,” concluded Hawkins.
The celebration witnessed the participation of numerous friends of Australia, including politicians, officials, diplomats, media representatives, businesses, development partners, and colleagues.
