Shahbaz Sharif meets British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in London

London: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif met British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in London today. Security situation in the region besides matters relating to education, health, energy and other sectors were discussed in the meeting. Provincial Minister for Finance Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Member National Assembly, Khusro Bakhtiar and Advisor to Chief Minister Azmul Haq were also present on the occasion.

Talking to British Foreign Secretary, the Chief Minister said that relations between Pakistan and Britain have strengthened during the tenure of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. He said that bilateral cooperation between the two countries in various sectors as well as volume of trade has also increased between Britain and Pakistan. He said that efforts are being made to increase the volume of trade between Britain and Pakistan to billion dollars annually.

The Chief Minister said that terrorism is the common issue of all nations and this problem can be resolved only through collective efforts. He said that all affected nations will have to join hands against terrorism. He said that incidents of terrorism in Pakistan are coming to an end. He said that Pak army and the people have made supreme sacrifices in the war against terrorism.

Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan is making serious effort for a durable peace in the region and has assured Afghanistan that its enemy cannot be the friend of Pakistan.

The Chief Minister thanked British government for its commendable cooperation in education and health sectors in Punjab. British Foreign Secretary commended the sacrifices and efforts of Pakistan for the elimination of terrorism and extremism. He appreciated the public welfare programmes and the projects started in different sectors in Punjab and said that the province is moving in the right direction.

Later, agreements were signed between Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) and two institutions of Britain. Chairperson TEVTA Irfan Qaiser Sheikh signed the document on behalf of Punjab.

Provincial Minister for Education Rana Mashhood was also present on the occasion. The Chief Minister in his speech said that 60 percent population of Punjab comprises youth and their training is essential to make them a part of development process.

He said that Punjab government wants that the youth of province should become useful citizens of the country. He said that a massive programme for the vocational training of youth has been evolved for the first time in the province. He said that youth are being imparted such skills as are needed by Pakistani industry and trade. He said that special funds have also been allocated for the vocational training of girls.