ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif applauded the role of British-Pakistanis in the development of the United Kingdom while holding a meeting with First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf in London on Sunday.
Born to Pakistani immigrants in Glasgow, Yousaf took over the leadership of the Scottish National Party and became the first minister of his family’s adopted homeland in March.
Despite the different title of his post, the first minister is the prime minister of Scotland.
“Felicitating the First Minister on his election to this important position, the Prime Minister observed that Mr. Yousaf’s election underscored the important and positive contribution of the British-Pakistani community to the progress and development of Scotland and across the UK,” said an official statement issued after the meeting by the Pakistani authorities. “He wished him success in the discharge of his responsibilities.”
The two leaders agreed to strengthen the ties between Pakistan and Scotland in the fields of trade, investment, education, water management, wind and solar technology along with people-to-people links.
“The two sides agreed to work collaboratively to promote joint ventures in education, skills development and renewables,” the statement added. “They also explored ways to leverage the Scottish Pakistani entrepreneurs to promote investment in Pakistan.”
The prime minister suggested to hold an investment conference in Scotland and separately arrange a roadshow to exhibit Pakistan’s renewable energy potential.
He also invited the first minister to visit Pakistan while thanking him for Scotland’s generous contribution to flood relief efforts in the country last year.
