ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and United Kingdom have expressed the resolve to give new boost to the existing bilateral ties in all fields and work together to root out terrorism.
This was stated by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and his visiting British counterpart David Cameron while addressing a joint news conference after holding talks in Islamabad on Sunday.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Britain is the best friend of Pakistan and its leading trade and investment partner which has played a vital role in socio economic development in Pakistan. He said there are enormous opportunities to further expand bilateral‚ economic and invesment cooperation. He hoped that the strategic relationship which was launched by David Cameron will further expand in various fields between the two countries. He appreciated Britain for extending cooperation to promote education in Pakistan besides helping in the field of health and social sector.
The Prime Minister said during talks he briefed the British Prime Minister regarding the priorities of his government to improve their socio economic condition through overcoming challenges of fiscal deficit‚ improve economy and resolving the energy crisis.
He appreciated the personnel efforts of David Cameron for allowing concessions in European Union to enhance Pakistani trade and hoped he will also support Pakistani efforts to get status of GSP in the EU by next year which will help Pakistani youth to get new opportunities.
Nawaz Sharif said Britain is reliable ally of Pakistan and we value its cooperation to resolve regional issues particularly Afghanistan. He said we discussed whole gamit of Pak-UK relations including regional and international issues with particularly focus on terrorism which has badly affected Pakistan.
He said we have agreed to continue our renewed efforts with vigour to overcome this menace. He appreciated Britain for its efforts to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan which is our shared objective. He said Pakistan fully support afghan led‚ Afghan owned reconciliation process to bring peace in that country. He said peace and stability in Afghanistan is also of vital importance for peace and stability in Pakistan.
Nawaz Sharif expressed gratitude to David Cameron being first head of the government to visit Pakistan after resuming of power by the new democratic set up. He said his visit reflects deepness of relationships between the two countries and admiration of inflinching confidence of Pakistani people in democracy.
The Prime Minister said with the resolution of the Afghan problem three million refugees will be repatriated that will help Pakistan to reduce its burden.
He said Pakistan wants to further expand its economic and trade ties with the United Kingdom and invited British investors to take advantage of investment opportunities in Pakistan.
David Cameron termed peaceful democratic transition in Pakistan a golden moment which is new beginning of a new era between two democracies.He said his visit gives a clear and simple message that we care about our relationship and future of Pakistan. He said we see a bright future of Pakistan.
The British Prime Minister said relationship between Pakistan and his coutnry is not only between two governments but also between the people. They are linked with deep rooted culture and are associated through democracy.
David Cameron said during the talks they have discussed in depth all issues including Afghanistan and Pak-Britain trade relations. He said Britain wants to give boost to its trade relations with Pakistan and increase bilateral trade volume upto three Billion pounds in the next two years.
He hoped that British Consulates and British Council in Karachi and Lahore will be reopened soon which will help further improve our bilateral relations. He appreciated over one million Pakistanis working in UK and said they are working as a bridge between the two countries and contributing towards the development of his country.
Referring to war against terrorism‚ British Prime Minister said enemies of Pakistan are enemies of his country and our friends are friends of Pakistan. He said we will have to make joint and uncompromising efforts to overcome terrorism‚ extremism and radicalism. He said his country will further invest in Education and extending cooperation for poverty reduction in Pakistan to overcome these challenges.
British Prime Minister said his country wants close and friendly ties with Pakistan by promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan which is also of vital interest for Pakistan.
