News
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
‘Pakistan, UK share perception on many issues’Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The UK Defence Committee delegation of House of Commons called on Defence Secretary Lt Gen (r) Asif Yasin Malik at the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday.
The delegation of eight members was headed by Rt Hon James Arbuthnot, member of UK parliament. The defence secretary said, “Pakistan as a member of Commonwealth attaches great importance to its deep-rooted relations with the UK.” “We have bilateral ties in many areas and further areas of cooperation have to be worked out,” James Arbuthnot said.
Both Pakistan and UK found it a great opportunity to sit across the table to discuss important issues between the two countries and also the emerging dynamics of the region. Pakistan and UK share values and have a commonality of perception on many regional and global issues, Malik said.
He added that Pakistan wants good relations with its neighbours. “We want to work towards peaceful Afghanistan which is in the interest of the region.” He said that Pakistan has rendered sacrifices in the war against terror which need to be acknowledged by the international community at large. James thanked Malik for his warm welcome and added that UK fully realises sacrifices rendered in men and material by the armed forces and people of Pakistan.
“We are pleased to have this opportunity of visiting Pakistan for the first time since the formation of Pakistan’s newly elected government. The UK and Pakistan already have so many strong connections that bind our people together. It is in our mutual interests to work together on a broad range of issues, from security, regional stability to education, development and culture. We share common interests and common threats. A strong, prosperous and democratic Pakistan is vital for the security of the country and the region. We welcome Prime Minster Sharif’s commitment to support a political process towards peace in Afghanistan, and to improve relations with India.”
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk