News
Friday, July 19, 2013
Back channel diplomacy revived to improve India ties: Pakistan to UK* Nawaz asks Hague to continue supporting Pakistan in its efforts to secure GSP Plus status with EU
* UK expresses full support for all initiatives being taken by PML-N govt
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday apprised British Foreign Secretary William Hague of the initiatives taken to improve relations with India, including the revival of back channel diplomacy and the resumption of dialogue process.
Prime Minister Nawaz urged the United Kingdom to continue supporting Pakistan in its efforts to secure GSP Plus status with the European Union. He was talking to British Foreign Secretary William Hague who called on him at the Prime Minister’s Office. The two sides discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the direction and trajectory of the relationship. During the meeting, focus was laid particularly on the government of Pakistan’s priorities of revitalising the economy, dealing with energy crisis, creating a pro-business and pro-investment climate, and improving the security situation.
Prime Minister Nawaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to support all initiatives aimed at promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan. Secretary Hague expressed full support for all the initiatives and reaffirmed British friendship for Pakistan and Britain’s desire to contribute to Pakistan’s development and prosperity. The two sides noted that the visit of Prime Minister David Cameron last month had sent the right message for an enduring partnership between the two countries. The meeting discussed how the United Kingdom could contribute and benefit from investment and business opportunities in Pakistan.
The two leaders also discussed the situation in the region, including Afghanistan. The British foreign secretary was accompanied by the British High Commissioner Adam Thompson and other senior officials. The prime minister was assisted by the Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani.
Nawaz said Pakistan will continue to support the international community for establishing peace in Afghanistan and reconstruction of its destroyed infrastructure. William Hague appreciated Pakistan’s role for peace in the region, particularly in Afghanistan. He said Pakistan is playing a key role in the war on terror. Matters relating to cooperation in different sectors including energy and war on terrorism also came under discussion during the meeting. Hague’s visit underlines the UK’s continued commitment to a deep, long-term and strategic relationship with Pakistan.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk