NATHIAGALI, Pakistan: Pakistan and Switzerland on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Bhurban for promotion of cooperation in the field of disaster management. Â
The MoU was signed by the visiting Foreign Minister of Switzerland Ignazio Cassis and the Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan looks forward to cooperation from Switzerland in getting advance warning system and other facets which secures Pakistan as much as possible from the natural disasters. He pointed out that Pakistan has no contributions to climate change.
Describing his negotiations with the Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis as productive and fruitful, the prime minister said that Pakistan also desires to promote cooperation with Switzerland in diverse areas including tourism and education.
The prime minister said that he is encouraged by the statement of Swiss foreign minister that Switzerland will play a friendly and catalyst role to promote peace discussions in the region.
Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan will encourage Switzerland to play a productive role because his Country wants to live in peace and promote prosperity and progress. He said that Pakistan wants to invest in its population to alleviate poverty and unemployment by promoting industries, IT and agriculture.
However, he added that, the other side shall also have to do introspection. It takes two to tango.
On behalf of @GovtofPakistan, Cn NDMA LtG Inam Haider Malik signed an MoU w/ Swiss Foreign Minister @ignaziocassis b/w 🇵🇰 & 🇨🇭 to promote cooperation in the field of disasters management. PM Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif witnessed signing ceremony today.
🇵🇰🤝🇨🇭@ForeignOfficePk pic.twitter.com/shfSdpqNrW— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) July 8, 2023
The prime minister further said that we cannot afford tension in this region and waste resources on wars as they have not been of any help in the past.
Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan is absolutely convinced that we should commit our resources in development. He said that the leadership on the other side should feel the same way.
The prime minister stressed that resolution of all disputes including that of Jammu and Kashmir was important for lasting peace in this part of the world.
In his remarks on the occasion, the Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said disaster risk management goes beyond borders and nationalities. He said that it is a global responsibility that requires unity and collective action.
Ignazio Cassis said that Pakistan and Switzerland will work hand in hand to raise awareness and protect the lives and livelihoods of our peoples.
The Swiss foreign minister said that the MoU signed today is a vital step in strengthening our collaborative efforts against climate change. He said that Pakistan is a Country with rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscape but unfortunately it has been grappling with the devastating effects of natural disasters.
Ignazio Cassis said that it is a stark reminder of the urgent need for international cooperation to mitigate and manage the risks associated with catastrophes.
In addition, he said that the MoU shows our shared determination to strengthen our bilateral relationship and to put our resources, knowledge and experiences in disaster risk management.
