President
hails Pak, UK coop against terror
ISLAMABAD—President General Pervez Musharraf Thursday expressed
satisfaction over the Pakistan-UK relations, increase in the bilateral
trade and enhancement of its investment in Pakistan. Talking to a
seven-member delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the British
House of Commons led by its Chairman Honourable Mike Gapes President
referred to the increase in British financial support and discussed
matters related to regional and international security.
The British delegation evinced keen interest in Pakistan’s perception on
regional stability issues and developments related to Pakistan-India
dialogue. The President highlighted Pakistan’s efforts and strategy to
overcome the challenges posed by terrorism, and government’s approach in
the tribal areas, Pakistan- Afghanistan relations, Pakistan-India
dialogue and settlement of the Kashmir dispute.
The President also expressed satisfaction at the increasingly
cooperative relations between Pakistan and the UK. In this context, he
referred to the British financial support, increase in bilateral trade
and enhancement of the British investment portfolio in Pakistan. The
visit of the British Members of Parliament and their interaction at the
highest level is testimony to the ever growing ties between Pakistan and
the United Kingdom. The common desire to further consolidate mutual
cooperation and consultations was reflected in the atmospherics marked
by frank and open discussion.
The President recalled the swift British earthquake relief assistance
and expressed gratitude for the continued support for the reconstruction
of the earthquake affected areas. He said Prime Minister Blair’s recent
visit to Pakistan further reinforced good relations between Pakistan and
UK.
The Chairman of the British Foreign Affairs Committee underscored close
relations between Pakistan and UK, stressing that the MPs represented
their constituents several of whom were of Pakistani origin. The MPs
praised the President for his leadership role in the adoption of Women’s
Protection Bill in the context of amendment of the Hudood Ordinance.
They also evinced interest in the development of education sector in
Pakistan and the reforms undertaken by the government that also covered
the madrassas. The delegation of the Members of the Foreign Affairs
Committee of the British Parliament would leave Pakistan on November 30
after completion of their two-day visit.
Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri has reiterated that peaceful
and stable Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s interest. He said this while
talking to a seven-member delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of
the House of Commons led by Mr. Gapes MP who called on him here in
Foreign office Thursday.
The Foreign Minister welcomed UK’s decision to double the development
assistance to Pakistan over the next three years and said that Pakistan
attached great importance to its relations with the UK.
He mentioned frequent exchange of high-level visits, the latest being
that of PM Tony Blair as a testimony to excellent relations between the
two countries. Talking to the delegation about Pakistan-India peace
process, the Foreign Minister said that ongoing dialogue provided the
best opportunity to both the countries to resolve all outstanding issues
including the issue of Kashmir.—APP |
