Iqbal seeks UK-Pakistan knowledge gateway

Germany desires to become part of CPEC, envoy tells minister

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Friday emphasised the building of a knowledge gateway between the United Kingdom and Pakistan, which would open new vistas for Pakistani students in their endeavour to obtain PhD degrees from leading universities of Britain.

The interior minister added that it is our utmost priority to offer opportunities to our talented youth in order to equip them with better education. He said this while talking to British High Commissioner Thomas Drew who called on him in Islamabad.

In the meeting, the interior minister noted that Pakistan and Britain enjoyed long-lasting and historical relations, adding that interests of both countries converge on peace and stability in the region.



Iqbal also stated that the international community should acknowledge the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the war against terror. He added that national action plan is being successfully implemented all over the country.

Talking about the Pakistani diaspora in Britain, the interior minister said that the diaspora has been playing their role remarkably in the economic development of Britain.  He also expressed his resolve to join hands with the diaspora to further enhance the economic cooperation between the two countries.

Later on, Ambassador of Germany Martin Kobler also called on the interior minister to discuss matters related to regional affairs.

In the meeting, it was unanimously agreed that Pakistan and Germany should boost cooperation in the sectors of science and technology and skilled training.

Iqbal said that sacrifices rendered by Pakistan had a part in the fall of Berlin wall and unification of Germany. He added that the defeat of Soviet Union had changed the geographical and political map of Europe.

He stated that Germany should extend full cooperation for the development and peace in Pakistan.



The interior minister said that the recent spate of terrorist attacks in Pakistan had been planned and carried out by nefarious elements from across the western border. He further stressed that peace and stability in Afghanistan is of vital importance for Pakistan, adding that the restoration of peace in Afghanistan through a political reconciliation process is the cornerstone of Pakistan's policy.

The interior minister also urged all the countries of the region to work together for restoration of peace in Afghanistan. He added that sustained and long term peace in Afghanistan is imperative for peace in the region.

Meanwhile, the German envoy expressed his support for CPEC projects and told the minister that Germany desires to become part of CPEC.