Australia-Pakistan Aid Partnership Arrangement 2016-2025 signed
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ISLAMABAD (APP): Pakistan and Australia Monday signed an aid partnership agreement for the prosperity, stability and poverty reduction in the country.
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According to a press statement issued here, Australia-Pakistan Aid Partnership Arrangement 2016-2025 was signed by Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Margaret Adamson and Secretary Economic Affairs Division (EAD), Tariq Bajwa on behalf of their respective governments.
The arrangement underpins the continuation of Australia's long-term Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Pakistan, confirming Australia's commitment to support Pakistan in building its economic prosperity and to promote sustainable, equitable development.
Australia is also providing scholarship for higher education and fostering institutional linkages besides supporting Pakistan in times of humanitarian crisis.
The Australian government is providing an estimated AUD 47.0 million development assistance to Pakistan in 2016-17.
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Through this arrangement, Australia and Pakistan jointly acknowledge financial aid to Pakistan through government platforms and support through international organizations and registered NGOs.
"Australia's aid partnership aligns with and supports Pakistan's development policy, Vision 2025 as well as Australia's own development policy of promoting prosperity, reducing poverty and enhancing stability and is aligned with our mutual international commitments, including on gender equality and human rights," Adamson said.
Adamson said Australia-Pakistan development partnership invests in Pakistan's human capital, as well as building agricultural productivity and sustainable management of water.
Australian engagement in mango value chain has resulted in better mango production, marketing and distribution, strengthening exports of this iconic Pakistan product, Adamson added.
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On this occasion, Secretary EAD urged Australian high commissioner to continue to partner on development projects that align with Pakistan's priority needs, including in agriculture, water resource management, clean energy, health and nutrition.
