ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has inaugurated a consulate general in Melbourne (Australia) to extend necessary services to the increasing number of Pakistanis over there, and to promote relations between the two countries.
The event coincided with the commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of Pakistan’s independence, and the seventieth year of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Australia.
It was an important occasion to underscore the interests of Pakistan government to further strengthen the relations with Australia, and to promote bilateral trade, investment and increased cooperation in education, agriculture and health.
In addition, the consulate general would facilitate the ever-growing Pakistani diaspora in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. Currently, more than 40 per cent of Pakistani students in Australia are enrolled in Victorian institutions.
Victoria Legislative Assembly President Bruce Atkinson was the chief guest at the event. The Government of Victoria Finance and Multicultural Affairs Minister Robin Scott, and Victoria Legislative Assembly Speaker Colin Brooks were the guests of honour. They welcomed the establishment of the consulate general and congratulated the people of Pakistan on the 70th anniversary of their independence.
The importance of promoting bilateral relations, including parliamentary exchanges, was highlighted and the positive role of overseas Pakistanis in the progress and prosperity of Victoria was also appreciated.
The Pakistan high commissioner stated in her address that since her arrival, she had been unrelenting in her efforts to fulfil the promise she had made to the community on the opening of the consulate general. The high commissioner also highlighted the various areas of cooperation between Pakistan and Australia in general and Victoria and Punjab in particular.