ISLAMABAD: The new British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Philip Barton Tuesday said he is absolutely committed to strengthening the bilateral connections between the UK and Pakistan.
In a statement issued here today after his first ever visit to Karachi, the British High Commissioner said building on the excellent work of his predecessor Sir Adam Thomson, he would also make sincere efforts to further strengthen bilateral relations.
During his two day visit Barton had the opportunity to hold introductory meetings with the Governor of Sindh, Dr. Ishrat-ul Ebad and the Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah.
The High Commissioner also met a range of Karachi-based political leaders, members of the business community and a group of senior journalists.
Speaking about his visit to Karachi, the Barton said, "I am delighted to visit Karachi, just over a week after arriving in Pakistan as Her Majesty's High Commissioner to Pakistan."
He said the relationship between the UK and Pakistan remains deep and strong and the importance of Karachi as a driver for the future prosperity of Pakistan is clear. He said, "I plan to visit Sindh frequently and to work with the business community to build a relationship based on partnership, trust and shared understanding".
The UK is working closely with Pakistan through extensive cooperation on trade, investment, energy, education and security. The Britain High Commissioner said, "Our rich people-to-people and cultural connections help to underpin the deep and unique relationship between our two countries.
The UK’s connections with Karachi are a vital part of this. Philip Barton has a wealth of experience working on Pakistan, having served as the British Foreign Office’s Additional Director for South Asia from 2008-09, and then the Cabinet Office Coordinator for Afghanistan and Pakistan from 2009-2011. More recently, Barton served as the Deputy British Ambassador to Washington.
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