ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his British counterpart Boris Johnson on Monday vowed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Pakistan-UK diplomatic relations in a befitting manner.

According to the PM Office, Mr Sharif and Mr Johnson discussed bilateral ties and issues of mutual interest over phone.

Highlighting the importance of Pakistan-UK Enhanced Strategic Dialogue, Mr Sharif suggested to develop a 10-year roadmap for taking the ties forward in diverse fields.

Mr Johnson conveyed his government’s deep appreciation of Pakistan’s cooperation with the UK.

Mr Sharif invited Mr Johnson to visit Pakistan on mutually convenient dates.

Visit to Turkey

Meanwhile, the prime minister will begin a three-day official visit to Turkey from Tuesday (today).

The visit is expected to further cement relations between the two countries in the fields of economy, trade, health, IT, culture, tourism and regional peace.

According to PMO, Mr Sharif would hold talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and international issues.

President Erdogan was the first world leader to call PM Sharif on April 11, to felicitate him.

Mr Sharif will be accompanied by a delegation, including ministers, special assistants to the PM and senior officials.

A business delegation from Pakistan comprising representatives of leading companies across various sectors will travel separately to Turkey to participate in the business engagements, the Foreign Office said in a statement issued on Monday.

During the visit, the premier will have tete-a-tete with President Erdogan. This would be followed by delegation-level talks.

Mr Sharif and the president of Turkey would jointly unveil a logo, marking the commencement of celebrations of this milestone in the history of bilateral ties.

He will have extensive interaction with Turkish bu­siness­men and potential investors from diverse sectors.

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2022