Pakistan, Oct. 14 -- President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday lauded the services of outgoing Australian High Commissioner, Neil Hawkins during his farewell call on him here at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

The president commended him for his efforts in strengthening Pakistan-Australia relations during his tenure, a Presidency's news release said.

He said the High Commissioner's contributions had helped advance cooperation in political, economic, and defence areas, while also deepening people-to-people connections between the two countries.

President Zardari noted that Pakistan and Australia have long enjoyed friendly and cooperative relations, supported by shared interests and mutual respect. He said the two countries must continue to build on their part...