Shehbaz Sharif, IMF MD discuss ongoing programme and the bilateral cooperation

PARIS: Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Managing Director International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva met Thursday on the sidelines of New Global Financing Pact Summit here and exchanged views on the ongoing programme and cooperation between Pakistan and the IMF.
Recalling their recent telephone conversation on May 27, Shehbaz Sharif apprised Georgieva of Pakistan’s economic outlook.
The prime minister outlined the steps taken by the government for economic growth and stability. He underscored that all prior actions for 9th review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) had been completed and the Government of Pakistan was fully committed to fulfilling its obligations as agreed with the IMF.
The Prime Minister expressed the hope that the funds allocated under the IMF’s EFF would be released as soon as possible. This would help strengthen Pakistan’s ongoing efforts towards economic stabilisation, and bring relief to its people.
The IMF managing director shared her institution’s perspective on the ongoing review process. The meeting provided a useful opportunity to take stock of the progress in that context.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Sherry Rehman; Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Aisha Ghaus Pasha, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi and Pakistan’s Ambassador to France, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad attended the meeting.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammad bin Salman here on the sidelines of Summit for New Global Financing Pact.
Besides discussing the matters relating to mutual interests, the two leaders agreed to further expand the shared actions to promote bilateral cooperation in diverse areas.
Prime Minister Sharif expressed his best wishes for the Saudi Crown Prince. Prince Muhammad bin Salman also expressed his goodwill for the Pakistan government and its people.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said the realisation of the pledges for resources’ mobilisation under the Loss and Damage Fund established at COP 27 was of the utmost importance.
The prime minister, in a meeting with Special US Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, on the sidelines of New Global Financing Pact Summit here, said being a common problem, the environmental issues required a joint strategy and efforts.
Both the leaders expressed good wishes for each other.
The prime minister appreciated John Kerry and the United States Administration for their priorities on the environment-related issues. The first-ever appointment of John Kerry as Special Presidential Envoy for Climate also manifested the realisation of the importance of the issue.
The prime minister observed that environmental problems were adversely affecting the development and growth rate of the developing countries.
He highlighted that the unprecedented floods of 2022 had exacerbated the economic woes of Pakistan.
The prime minister urged the developed countries to help the developing word overcome the negative impacts of the environmental issues on their growth rate.
He believed that the New Global Financing Pact Summit being held in Paris was a ray of hope for the developing world.
Moreover, he said, the reformation of the international financial infrastructure was also important to provide resources to the developing countries.
John Kerry endorsed the prime minister’s viewpoint of threats posed by the climate change to the developing world.
Both the leaders agreed to keep up the contacts and consultation to carry out joint efforts for the purpose.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday joined the world leaders here at the inaugural session of Summit for New Global Financing Pact.
French President Emmanuel Macron is chairing the Summit which is being attended by over 50 heads of states. – APP