PM Shehbaz, World Bank VP vow to boost economic cooperation

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met with the World Bank’s Regional Vice President for Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP), Mr. Ousmane Dione, in Islamabad to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing Pakistan’s development priorities.

The prime minister expressed heartfelt gratitude to the World Bank for its longstanding partnership with Pakistan. He extended special thanks to World Bank President Ajay Banga and former Country Director for Pakistan, Mr. Najy Benhassine, for their pivotal roles in advancing the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF).

PM Shehbaz praised the strategic importance of the CPF in supporting Pakistan’s key development goals, particularly in the areas of energy, human capital, climate change, and governance reforms.

Referring to India’s unilateral and illegal actions affecting the Indus Waters Treaty, the prime minister appreciated the World Bank’s principled support for Pakistan’s legitimate position on this vital international agreement. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to upholding international law, promoting regional peace, and resolving disputes through dialogue.

The premier also acknowledged the World Bank’s timely and generous assistance during the devastating 2022 floods, which enabled Pakistan to initiate emergency relief, recovery, and reconstruction efforts.

Mr. Ousmane Dione thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the warm hospitality during his visit and reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to deepening its longstanding partnership with Pakistan across key economic sectors.

He lauded the government’s progress on macroeconomic recovery and praised the prime minister’s leadership in implementing institutional reforms, restoring investor confidence, and promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Concluding the meeting, both sides expressed a shared commitment to enhancing cooperation in the coming years to achieve Pakistan’s long-term development goals and ensure a prosperous future for its people.

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}