PM Shehbaz meets UK minister to discuss development, climate, regional cooperation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday met Baroness Jenny Chapman, the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for International Development and Africa, to discuss bilateral cooperation in development, climate change, economic engagement, and regional matters.

According to a statement from the prime minister’s Office, Baroness Chapman, who is currently on an official visit to Pakistan, held talks with the premier at the prime minister’s house.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in key sectors. Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan and the UK share longstanding relations rooted in a common history, strong institutional ties, and mutual respect.

He also highlighted the role of the British Pakistani diaspora in reinforcing people-to-people links and serving as a bridge between the two countries.

Welcoming the visit, the prime minister described it as an important opportunity to advance bilateral engagement and expressed confidence that it would help further consolidate the Pakistan-UK partnership.

Earlier this week, Baroness Chapman also met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, where the two sides discussed cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, according to a foreign office spokesperson.

Dar underscored the important role of the Pakistani-British community as a vital bridge between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, the spokesperson said.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on regional and international developments, including ongoing international peace efforts related to Gaza.