President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday said the democratic government was successfully moving forward in the fight against militants and security forces were gaining successes despite numerous sacrifices.
Talking to British MP and Shadow Secretary of State for International Development Andrew Mitchell here at the President House, he said the recent cowardly attacks by militants on innocent had only strengthened the nation's resolve to fight the militants. He said Pakistan and its democratic government needs further support from the international community for stability of the region and overcoming economic stresses.
During the meeting matters related to the ongoing fight against militancy, bilateral relations between the two countries and British support to the democratic dispensation in Pakistan came under discussion. Acting High Commissioner Peter Tibber, Political Researcher Ms Philippa Buckley and Head of DFID (Department for International Development) George Turkington Pakistan, were present during the meeting.
The President appreciated UK's development assistance worth 665 million committed for 2009-2013 and additional 50 million assistance that was announced during Prime Minister's recent visit to support Pakistan's development plans. The President also appreciated development assistance that was being provided by UK for national programmes in the spheres of health and poverty reduction.
The President said that UK and Pakistan need to strengthen their partnership in the realms of education, science and technology and cultural fields working closely for more trade and investment in Pakistan.
He stressed the need to enhance and strengthening of Pakistan's counter terrorism capacity through provision of equipment, training facilities and sharing of timely intelligence. Andrew Mitchell appreciated the efforts of the government and its security forces against militancy and reiterated British support to the democratic government in Pakistan in dealing with this menace. He said that Britain would continue to support Pakistan in every possible manner in overcoming difficulties faced by the country in various areas.
Secretary General Salman Faruqui, Minister of State for EAD/Finance Ms Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Malik Ammad Ahmed Khan, Secretary to President Malik Asif Hayat and Ms Sughra Imam were also present at the meeting.
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