ISLAMABAD:Australia’s Charge d’Affaires to Islamabad, Mr Bryce Hutchesson has said that Cricket is a shared passion for Australia and Pakistan and Australian men’s team will be visiting Pakistan in February this year for the first tour in 24 years.
He said the team is sure to receive a warm welcome, for which Pakistanis are renowned. In his message on the Australia Day, being celebrated today (Wednesday), he said: “When Australians celebrate their nation, its achievements and its diverse multicultural people- it is timely to reflect on the ties between Australia and Pakistan and opportunities for further advancing the relationship between our two great countries”.
He said our connections have continued to grow since Australia formally recognized the new state of Pakistan in 1947. The Australia’s Charge d’Affaires said we have much in common- including sustainable development challenges, transnational security interests, Commonwealth heritage and of course love of cricket- which provides a solid foundation for moving forward.
“This is underpinned by a vibrant Pakistani-origin community in Australia now exceeding 84,000 people. With easing of travel restrictions, Australia also looks forward to welcoming back many Pakistan students to our world-class educational institutions in 2022 and beyond. These students will go on to contribute to Pakistan’s future and build links with Australia”, Mr Bryce Hutchesson noted.
He said growing trade and commercial ties will support post-pandemic economic recovery in both our countries. He said there are many opportunities for mutual benefit, particularly in education and agriculture. He said Australia’s excellence in innovation, science and technology provides fertile opportunities for business-to-business collaboration.
Australia’s Charge d’Affaires said that Australia has long supported Pakistan’s efforts to build prosperity and inclusive development, focusing particularly on water resource management, rural productivity and gender equality.
He said we also continue to stand with Pakistan in the face of COVID, strengthening Pakistan’s disease detection capabilities and providing humanitarian assistance. “Australia- Pakistan friendship, Zindabad”, the Australia’s Charge d’Affaires Mr Bryce Hutchesson concluded his Australia’s Day message on this slogan, which means (Long live Pakistan).