UK to help Pakistan to devise anti-terror strategy, says William Hague

British Foreign Secretary William Hague Wednesday said the United Kingdom will work in partnership with Pakistan to provide expertise and support of Pakistan in developing strategy of counter terrorism.  

Speaking at a joint press conference with Pakistan Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, the British Foreign Secretary acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistani people in the war against terrorism‚ saying they continue to reject terrorist violence and intimidation. 

On Afghanistan‚ he said‚ good relationship with Pakistan’s neighbor is a key to security and UK and Pakistan agree on importance of peace‚ stability and security in Afghanistan and support Afghan led and Afghan owned reconciliation process. He said relation with Pakistan is very important for progress and prosperity of our both countries.  

Earlier the two leaders held official talks and discussed wide-ranging of issues, focusing on regional security and Afghanistan.

The two leaders said they have agreed to enhance cooperation in a number of areas including trade and commerce and to counter terrorism.

Congratulating the Pakistani government and people of Pakistan on smooth transfer of power and successful conduct of elections‚ he hoped that democracy will further strengthen and prosper in Pakistan. He said Pakistani people gave a clear message of the continuity of democracy by taking full part in elections.

Sartaj Aziz said the two sides exchanged views on entire spectrum of bilateral relations with focus on economic and trade. He said Pakistan-UK trade has reached about three billion dollars and they have a target to take it to five billion dollars.

He lauded UK’s investment in Pakistan and said it is their endeavour to expand both investment and trade. He appreciated the support of UK in Pakistan’s quest for more access to EU market. He said Pakistan wants inclusion in GSP Plus for the purpose and it welcomes UK’s strong support in this regard.

Mr. Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan and UK would hold second round of enhanced strategic dialogue later this year encompassing entire range of security‚ political and economic issues.

The Advisor on Foreign Affairs said he would be visiting Kabul on Saturday for talks with Afghan leadership and hoped that his visit would pave the way for President Karzai’s visit to Pakistan.

To a question he said closure of Doha office by Taliban is a temporary phenomenon and hoped that it would reopen when difficulties in respect of flag and name of the office are overcome. He said Pakistan supports an Afghan-owned peace process and stability in Afghanistan is in our own interest.

To another question he said facts about reports of Taliban moving to Syria are being looked into but firmly stated that the Government of Pakistan or its institutions have nothing to do even if such a movement has taken place.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=40941

Posted by Tahir Khan on Jul 17 2013. Filed under Latest News, National, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.