- Prime Minister Shahbaz says that Pakistan has to face the effects of global climate change.
- Swiss FM described the MoU as important for cooperation against climate change.
- MoU to bring disaster management at par with international standards.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said Pakistan cannot tolerate tension in the region nor would it like to waste its resources, while urging Switzerland to play the role of a catalyst in the region to promote peace.
The Prime Minister was addressing the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pakistan and Switzerland on Disaster Management in Nathiagali.
He termed the event as an important step that would promote cooperation between the two countries to use technology and expertise to jointly deal with natural calamities in the future.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he looked forward to Swiss cooperation in getting an advanced warning system and other gadgets to make Pakistan as safe as possible from natural disasters.
He reiterated that Pakistan is facing the effects of global climate change, despite the fact that the country has a very low carbon footprint.
Appreciating the Swiss Foreign Minister’s remarks about peace in the region, PM Shehbaz Sharif said that maintaining peace in this part of the world is important and Switzerland can play the role of a catalyst to promote peace in the region.
“Unless their issues, including Kashmir, are resolved, there can be no lasting peace in this part of the world,” he said.
He said that Pakistan likes to promote progress and prosperity, eliminate unemployment and poverty and increase education, IT, industry, women empowerment and agriculture for the betterment of the people.
Speaking on the occasion, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said that the signing of the MoU between the two countries is important for cooperation against climate change.
He said Pakistan is rich in cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, but it has been plagued by natural disasters, resulting in floods last year, with widespread destruction and displacement of people.
The Swiss minister said that there is an urgent need for international cooperation to reduce the risks associated with these natural disasters.
Extending his government’s cooperation in this regard, he reaffirmed his intention to further strengthen bilateral relations and pool his resources in this area.
He highlighted the joint efforts between the two countries during the years 2010 and 2022, when Pakistan was hit by devastating floods, adding that the Swiss government provided rapid emergency assistance and supported the affected people.
