Zardari lauds Brown’s drive to beef up ties

LONDON: The diplomatic row over Britain’s accusation that Pakistan supports terrorism intensified on Wednesday as President Asif Ali Zardari lauded the efforts and

steps taken by former British premier and member of opposing Labour party,
Gordon Brown for fortifying bilateral ties.

According to presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar, Zardari in a telephonic conversation with Brown discussed bilateral relations as well as the regional situation, and said that his visit to the UK was aimed at boosting the strategic ties between the two countries besides alleviating the misperceptions.

Cameron has arranged a private dinner with Zardari at his country residence at Chequers on Thursday evening, in addition to previously scheduled talks on Friday, his office said. The move hinted at a desire to patch up the quarrel. Zardari is also expected to meet members of Cameron’s government on Thursday.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 4^th, 2010.