Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke to Kenyan President Dr William Ruto in telephonic conversation. Two leaders discussed issue of murder of renowned Pakistani journalist, late Arshad Sharif in Kenya. PM expressed his gratitude to Kenyan President for cooperation extended to Pakistani investigation teams so far and requested for further cooperation from Kenyan side in bringing matter to closure for family and people of Pakistan.

Kenyan President Dr Ruto assured Prime Minister of full support and cooperation in matter and two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual interest. During conversation, PM emphasised significance Pakistan attaches to its relations with African nation and conveyed Pakistan’s strong desire to strengthen its historical ties with Kenya in all areas of cooperation.

Issue of late Arshad Sharif’s murder in Kenya has garnered significant attention in Pakistan and Prime Minister’s conversation with Kenyan president is seen as positive step towards ensuring justice for journalist’s family and people of Pakistan. Pakistani government has been actively pursuing case and has sent investigation teams to Kenya to gather evidence and work with Kenyan authorities. Meanwhile, PM held telephone call with Prime Minister of Netherlands Mark Rutte wherein he invited Dutch companies to invest in areas of agriculture, horticulture, water management and renewable energy in Pakistan. During telephonic conversation, two leaders took stock of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over its positive trajectory, besides agreeing to further enhance trade and economic relations. PM appreciated humanitarian assistance of Dutch government for flood victims in Pakistan as well as support of Dutch water experts in preparing Pakistan’s Resilient, Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Framework.

They discussed important global and regional issues of mutual interest including situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Afghanistan and Ukraine. PM stressed need for international community to raise collective voice against Islamophobia and work together for promoting interfaith harmony and peaceful co-existence, for which mutual respect and religious tolerance were must.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 21 2023

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