Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Gates Foundation Chair Bill Gates have discussed expanding cooperation in agriculture, public health, digital innovation and artificial intelligence during a meeting in New York.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, where the two sides also reviewed Pakistan’s efforts in polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunization, digitization and financial inclusion.

Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s goal of completely eliminating polio and thanked the Gates Foundation for its continued support for the country’s health programs.

Gates said eradicating polio was important to protecting future generations and appreciated Shehbaz’s guidance to provincial governments on the vaccination program.

Agriculture emerged as another key area of discussion, with Shehbaz briefing Gates on reforms focused on innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience, agricultural research and improving farmers’ capacity.

The two sides agreed to explore cooperation in improved seeds, livestock genetics and emerging agricultural technologies.

Shehbaz also expressed interest in expanding collaboration with the Gates Foundation in public health, agriculture, digital innovation and artificial intelligence.

The meeting ended with an agreement to maintain engagement on initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable development, technological advancement and social sector improvements.

Shehbaz also invited Gates to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.