Britain reaffirms commitment to working with Pakistan in trade, security spheres

British Foreign Secretary William Hague, Home Secretary Theresa May called on Nawaz. MoU on British Council inked.

LONDON: Britain on Thursday reaffirmed commitment to working with Pakistan in security, trade and development, as the British home secretary and foreign secretary called on prime minister Nawaz Sharif in London on Thursday. 

Nawaz is currently in London on an official visit to the UK.

Meeting with British Home Secretary

The prime minister and Theresa May’s meeting centered on bilateral cooperation in the areas of security and counter terrorism.

Appreciating the Britain’s ongoing cooperation and assistance, the prime minister informed the British Home Secretary about the National Internal Security Policy (NISP) and the peace dialogue with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to fight extremism and militancy, the prime minister pointed out that Pakistan had made unprecedented sacrifices in terms of human lives and loss to economy. He shared his Pakistan’s plan to improve the working of counter terrorism organisations at the federal level and the creation of similar organisations at the provincial level.

Secretary May said that Britain would extend all possible help to strengthen Pakistan’s capacity to deal with extremism and terrorism.

Meeting with British Foreign Secretary

In his meeting with British Foreign Secretary William Hague, the prime minister appreciated the UK’s support for Pakistan in helping it acquire the GSP Plus status by the EU and the UK’s continued development assistance through the Department for International Development (DFID), particularly in areas of health and education.

The prime minister said that Pakistan was committed to enhancing its economy, overcoming energy shortage, eradicating extremism and promoting human rights and good governance. Hague offered the UK’s assistance and cooperation in this regard.

Also under discussion were the post-election situation in Afghanistan and the ensuing security environment.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Foreign Secretary Hague and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in the presence of Prime Minister on the status and operations of the British Council in Pakistan with the intention of further strengthening ties between the countries in educational, scientific, technical and cultural areas.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief Minister of Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik, Chief Minister of Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Acting High Commissioner Mohammad Imran Mirza also attended both meetings.