Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif met US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker at a high-level meeting to discuss various areas of cooperation, including in the field of security, education, economic investment, and emerging technologies.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister warmly welcomed the US diplomat. The talks were extensive on strategic cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), digital assets, energy development, and security management. The two sides also discussed the possibilities of bringing in the know-how of the USA in the solutions of local climate issues, especially for the mitigation of seasonal smog and urban floods in Punjab. In addition, both leaders discussed the proposal of holding the next Punjab-US Business and Investment Forum in Lahore.
US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker gave a glowing endorsement to the ongoing initiatives of the Punjab government for the empowerment of women, and also appreciated the preparations and security measures taken by the local authorities for the upcoming Basant festival. Baker said that she greatly respects the culture and the people of Punjab, which is vibrant and lively.In highlighting the achievements of the government in the field of governance, CM Maryam Nawaz said that the women empowerment of the province was being made a reality, and not just a symbolic gesture. She explained the various measures implemented to make women financially independent and secure, such as the introduction of electric scooters, electro-bus transport services, micro-finance interest-free business loans, direct pink safety buttons and virtual police stations.The Chief Minister also added that the district initiatives taken during the monsoon season have been proactive, which has helped in the effective management of urban drainage and disaster response, and systemic administrative reforms are underway to transform cities and rural areas of Punjab.