Trade ties: Sartaj leaves for strategic dialogue with Britain

PM appeals for greater Australian investment in the country.

ISLAMABAD:

A senior aide to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif flew to London on Tuesday ahead of the second review of the ‘enhanced strategic dialogue’ between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

Sartaj Aziz, the prime minister’s adviser on national security and foreign affairs, will also participate in the Commonwealth ministerial action group meeting on March 14.

The foreign ministry said the two-day dialogue sessions scheduled to open today (Wednesday) will review progress achieved by the two countries in terms of enhancing cooperation in various fields.

The strategic dialogue covers five areas – trade and business relations, financial and development cooperation, education and health, defence, security and cultural cooperation.

Speaking with British High Commissioner Philip Barton, the premier said Pakistan considers the UK a close friend and a genuine development partner.

Australian High Commissioner Peter Heyward also called on Prime Minister Sharif and discussed bilateral relations with him. The prime minister said that while bilateral trade between the two countries has steadily increased over the last few years, its volume remains far below its true potential.

He said Pakistan would like to welcome more Australian corporate entities to consider investments in the country’s oil and gas sectors‚ mining‚ power generation in hydel‚ thermal and renewable energy fields and the agro-based industry.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 12^th, 2014.