Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani has sought Britain's help for greater market access to EU, preferably through a free trade agreement (FTA). He expressed these views here on Tuesday in a meeting with the British Secretary of State for Law and Justice, Jack Straw, who called on him at the PM House.
Appreciating the economic co-operation/assistance of the United Kingdom as Pakistan's major trading and development partner in the European Union (EU) and one of the largest investors in Pakistan, the Prime Minister asked the UK to support Pakistan's efforts for having greater market access to the EU, preferably through FTA. He said that his Government greatly appreciated Britain's role and assistance in restoration of democracy in Pakistan.
On the issue of terrorism, the Prime Minister said that fight against terrorism was top priority of his Government. He underscored the fact that Pakistan's Armed Forces and civilian population had made sacrifices in the war on terrorism. He called on the world community to realise the root-causes which stem from socio-economic disparity and unresolved political disputes to curb this menace effectively.
Yousuf said that his government would adopt a multi-pronged strategy, as the past government's strategy had failed to produce the desired results. He said that the new strategy would incorporate both long term and short term measures including political dialogue, socio-economic development and security options in the areas bordering Afghanistan to address the issue effectively.
The Prime Minister underlined the need for greater co-operation and understanding among all stakeholders, and called for immediate halt in violation of Pakistan's territory by the US and Nato/ISAF forces. He said that the Pakistan's Armed Forces are fully capable of handling any kind of situation. He said that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country would be safeguarded at all costs.
Referring to the regional situation, he said that Pakistan wants friendly relations with all its neighbours. He said that Pakistan desires a stable and prosperous Afghanistan as "it is in our national interest". He said that the meeting of the small Jirga would be held soon which would hopefully make headway for lasting peace in the area. He said that due to difficult terrain and porous border, it was difficult to stop cross-border movement, "but still our forces are playing a very effective role".
The Prime Minister briefed Jack Straw on the issue of restoration of deposed judges. He underlined his Government's resolve for having an independent judiciary and vowed to work towards that end.
Straw termed Pakistan as a strong partner of Britain and said that Britain would continue to support Pakistan in every sphere of bilateral relations particularly in the field of trade and security. He said terrorism is a matter of global concern as it is for Pakistan.
Acknowledging that Pakistan had faced a lot of difficulties due to its frontline status in the war against terror, he agreed with the Prime Minister that foreign incursions into Pakistan would be counter-productive. He also hoped that Pakistan would continue providing passage to Nato convoys through its territory on their way to Afghanistan. The meeting was attended by Minister for Law, Farooq H. Naek, Deputy High Commissioner of UK Ray Kyles, Head of European & International Division, Patrick Bourke and other senior officials.
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