News
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Pakistan, UK vow to jointly fight terror, promote peace
* Zardari says he is confident that UK will continue to support democracy in Pakistan
* Cameron says his country will support Pakistan for greater market access within the context of overall package from EU and GSP Plus as well
LONDON: President Asif Ali Zardari and British Prime Minister David Cameron agreed at their meeting on Friday that both the countries would continue to fight militancy and promote peace in the region.
The two leaders at their meeting at Downing Street welcomed the ongoing collaboration between both UK and Pakistan in tackling violent extremism and radicalization, and agreed to enhance cooperation in support of a comprehensive approach by the government of Pakistan.
The meeting was also attended by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
Prime Minister Cameron warmly received the Pakistani leader on his arrival at the Downing Street and shook hands warmly outside the famous number 10 door. Briefing media after the meeting, Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that Pakistan and United Kingdom agreed to prepare a comprehensive plan of action to intensify cooperation in trade, business, defence, education, health, security and cultural spheres.
Both the leaders found themselves on the same page regarding militancy and concurred that it was the enemy of both Pakistan and Britain, and that both the countries should continue to fight it together. Zardari said that UK had always supported democracy and he was confident that Britain would continue to support democracy and democratic institutions in Pakistan.
He appreciated consistent support of the UK for democracy, and added that Britain had a better understanding of the sub-continent than any other country, and was well placed to put across Pakistani point of view to the world.
Commenting on Pak-Afghan relationship, the president said that destinies of Pakistan and Afghanistan were inter-twined and both the countries faced common challenges and threats.
He said that the two countries needed to join hands to overcome the challenges facing them.
Terming Pakistan-Afghanistan partnership key to peace and development of the two countries, the president said that it was important for increased connectivity within the region as well as with the outside world.
The president said that Pakistan was endeavouring for regional peace and stability and dialogue process had started with all the neighbouring countries, including India. Recently, foreign secretaries of both the countries exchanged views on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and agreed to continue discussions in a purposeful and forward looking manner with a view to finding a peaceful solution by narrowing divergences and building convergences. The president appreciated the role played by Britain in seeking trade package for Pakistan from the European Union.
“Pakistan wants to start negotiations for a free trade agreement with the EU,” he said. British prime minister assured that his country would continue to extend support to Pakistan for a greater market access within the context of overall package from EU and GSP Plus as well. He also assured that the UK would also support Pakistan’s efforts for institutionalization of Pakistan-EU summit mechanism. agencies
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk