Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged in a productive meeting with Bill Gates, the esteemed founder and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), during their encounter in Riyadh at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting.
Following their participation in a significant panel discussion titled ‘Redefining the Global Health Agenda’ at the WEF, PM Shehbaz expressed sincere appreciation for Gates’ congratulatory letter upon his reelection, affirming his dedication to fostering a robust partnership between Pakistan and the Gates Foundation.
Reflecting on their past interactions, particularly during his previous tenure, the PM emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to eradicating polio, acknowledging the crucial support provided by the BMGF in this endeavor. Gates, in turn, commended Pakistan’s progress and stressed the importance of nationwide replication of successful immunization strategies, highlighting the imperative of polio eradication for safeguarding future generations. Beyond polio, discussions between PM Shehbaz and Gates encompassed the advancement of various ongoing initiatives spanning nutrition, financial inclusion, and immunization.
Recognizing the Gates Foundation as a steadfast ally in Pakistan’s socioeconomic development, PM Shehbaz advocated for expanded collaboration in diverse areas such as disaster relief, STEM education, and IT. Extending an invitation for Gates to revisit Pakistan, PM Shehbaz fondly recalled his previous visit in February 2022, underscoring the enduring partnership between Pakistan and the Gates Foundation.
