Pakistan-Switzerland MoU Boosts Disaster Cooperation & Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has hailed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pakistan and Switzerland on disaster management as a significant step in promoting cooperation between the two countries. The prime minister expressed his hope that the MoU would facilitate the sharing of technology and expertise to jointly tackle natural disasters in the future.

During the MoU signing ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the impact of global climate change on Pakistan, emphasizing that despite the country’s minimal carbon emissions, it was still facing the consequences. He expressed Pakistan’s interest in acquiring advanced warning systems and other gadgets from Switzerland to enhance the country’s preparedness and resilience against natural disasters.

The prime minister also underscored the desire to expand bilateral ties with Switzerland, particularly in the tourism sector, as Pakistan boasts abundant natural beauty. He appreciated the Swiss foreign minister’s remarks about regional peace and emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in the region. He suggested that Switzerland could play a pivotal role as a catalyst in promoting peace.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to progress, prosperity, and the well-being of its people. He stressed the need for the other side to also recognize this commitment, emphasizing that Pakistan cannot afford tensions in the region and must allocate its resources to national development.

Regarding lasting peace in the region, the prime minister stated that unresolved issues, including the Kashmir dispute, must be addressed. He highlighted that resolving these issues is crucial for establishing lasting peace in the region.

Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, speaking at the event, emphasized the importance of the MoU in collaborating against climate change. He acknowledged Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, but also recognized the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters, as evidenced by the previous year’s floods and displacement of people. The Swiss minister emphasized the urgent need for international cooperation to mitigate the risks associated with natural catastrophes and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and pooling resources in this field.