PM urges 10-year roadmap to boost ties with UK

Official statement says both leaders discussed range of issues including Afghan situation, Ukraine crisis over phone

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had a telephone conversation with his British counterpart, Boris Johnson, and exchanged views on a wide range of bilateral and international issues, from the Pakistan-UK Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (ESD) to the ongoing situation in Afghanistan and Ukraine.

During the telephonic conversation, Prime Minister Johnson reiterated his felicitations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on his election and assumption of office. He underlined UK’s desire to further enhance its bilateral relationship with Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz felicitated the UK on the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Queen Elizabeth’s coronation. Both leaders emphasised the importance of celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Pakistan-UK diplomatic relations in a befitting manner.

Shehbaz stated that Pakistan valued its relations with the UK, which were based on historical linkages and convergent interests on a broad range of issues. He reiterated Pakistan’s desire to bolster its ties with the UK across diverse fields, with a special emphasis on trade and investment partnership.

Also read: British PM Johnson felicitates Shehbaz

The prime minister appreciated the positive role played by 1.6 million Pakistani diaspora in forging closer links and building bridges between the two countries. He emphasised the need for strengthening cooperation in the fields of legal migration to fully realise the potential.

Shehbaz underscored the importance of the ESD and suggested the development of a 10-years roadmap to take the bilateral relations forward in diverse fields. He stressed that the ESD should deepen mutual engagement and the bilateral partnership elevated to the next level.

In the regional context, Shehbaz underscored the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan and the need for scaling up efforts to avert the humanitarian crisis there. He underscored the importance of the release of Afghanistan’s frozen assets to bring stability to the fledgling Afghan economy.

Also read: PM Shehbaz urges intl community to launch aid programme for Afghan flood affectees

The prime minister also highlighted the grave violations of human rights in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). While reiterating Pakistan’s commitment towards promotion of peace in the region, he stressed the importance of peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Prime Minister Johnson conveyed his government’s deep appreciation for Pakistan’s cooperation with UK, particularly with regard to evacuations in the aftermath of developments in Afghanistan post-15 August 2021.

They also exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine and other issues.