NEW YORK: American tech tycoon and philanthropist Bill Gates called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in New York on Thursday.
Gates, who is the co-chairman of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, reiterated his continued interest in working together for the eradication of polio in Pakistan. He also expressed interest in the expansion of engagements in other areas, including broader immunisation programmes.
Abbasi thanked Gates for the work his foundation is doing in Pakistan, particularly for the eradication of polio as well as their interest in expanding in other areas.
Gates thanked the prime minister for the continued commitment of the government of Pakistan in achieving the objective of eradicating polio from Pakistan. He also appreciated Abbasi’s personal commitment. Gates also expressed an interest in making financial services accessible to the people of Pakistan so that they are enabled to undertake financial transactions and services online.
Gates appreciated the tremendous progress achieved in the eradication of polio during the last four years and the expectation that all the stakeholders will make the final push to achieve the cherished goal of complete eradication of polio from the remaining three pockets in the country.
Gates also expressed his appreciation for the continuity of the key polio team members who have achieved appreciable standards of teamwork and commitment.
Gates expressed his hope that the prime minister will continue to lead the effort till the end and on a personal note.
Gates is one of the richest people in the world with a fortune of around $9 billion, according to Forbes magazine.
