News
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Pak-UK relations must be taken to next level: PM* Nawaz calls for mutual cooperation in fields of defence, science, technology and trade
* UK acknowledges Pak armed forces’ sacrifices in war on terror
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Tuesday said that both Pakistan and Britain enjoy close bilateral relations which are deeply embedded in history and tradition.
He said the relations between the two states need to be taken to the next level by mutual cooperation in the fields of defence, science, technology and trade. The prime minister expressed these views in a meeting with the members of a British delegation, headed by British Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammonds, which called on him at the Prime Minister’s House. Nawaz Sharif emphasised on the need to increase the level of defence cooperation between the defence forces of the two countries. Both the sides also agreed to enhance the level of cooperation on counter-terrorism measures.
During the meeting, post-withdrawal Afghanistan scenarios also came under discussion. The prime minister said that Pakistan wants to see a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, which is essential for a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan. The prime minister thanked the British government for extending support to Pakistan’s case for GPS-Plus status in the European Union. He said that Pakistan would benefit in terms of increase in trade volume through this concession. Federal Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatimi and other senior officials of the Prime Minister’s Office were also present during the meeting.
British Secretary of State for Defence Phillip Hammonds acknowledged the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan’s armed forces and the people in the war on terror. During his meetings with Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain and Defence Secretary Lt Gen (r) Asif Yasin Malik at the Ministry of Defence Production and Ministry of Defence, he said that there was a need to greatly recognise the efforts made by Pakistan and its coalition partners in the war on terrorism so that the ultimate goal of peace is achieved.
The four-member delegation discussed post-2014 situation in Afghanistan and the emerging regional dynamic after the withdrawal of NATO forces. The delegation congratulated Rana Tanveer Hussain on assuming the charge of federal minister for defence production and added that the positive approach of the new government will help the region attain peace and stability. Rana Tanveer Hussain offered UK support and assistance in the field of defence production.
“Pakistan’s defence industry is on a thriving path of indigenisation and therefore has a capability to offer UK state-of-the-art defence items produced at the local defence industry,” he added. Pakistan, he said, was a member of Commonwealth and therefore attached great importance to its deep-rooted relations with the UK. The minister said there was a need to explore areas of defence cooperation. Secretary Defence Lt Gen Malik said that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with UK and wanted to take ahead bilateral ties between the two countries. Both sides desired that a forum on defence cooperation other than Defence Consultative Forum (DCF) be put in place for further cooperation in areas of defence. agencies
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk