New york: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed that polio eradication remained a high priority for the Government and partnership with the Gates Foundation would remain vital to achieve this objective. He made these remarks during a meeting with Chair of Gates Foundation Bill Gates on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister appreciated the valuable support extended by the Gates Foundation to Pakistan for polio eradication efforts, improving immunization and nutrition, as well as financial inclusion in the country. He further expressed appreciation for the Gates Foundation's generous donation for Pakistan's recent floods in 2025 while recalling the Foundation's significant contribution for relief efforts during the 2022 floods.

Emphasizing on the Government's initiative of extensive economic reforms, cashless digitization, and revitalization of the economy, Shehbaz Sharif especially acknowledged the practical, positive, and valuable cooperation of Gates Foundation. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue working together to advance cooperation in sectors of health, nutrition, digital transformation, and larger socio-economic development of the country.