Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith on Monday assured Pakistan of boost in trade and economic co-operation and greater access to Pakistani goods in Australian market. Stephen also agreed to enhance at least four times the number of army personnel to be imparted capacity building training in his country in a bid to improve the efficiency of the Pakistani forces to combat terrorism and militancy.
The decision was taken at a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi with Stephen Smith, who arrived here on Monday. It was the first visit of an Australian Foreign Minister since 1998. Both sides also agreed to work on two Memorandum of Understanding - firstly to enhance co-operation between Australian Federal Police and Pakistan Anti-Narcotics Forces, secondly, to enhance co-operation between Pakistani Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) to check smuggling and crimes. These MoUs would be signed soon.
Addressing a joint press conference, Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said that only military enforcement is not the solution to address militancy and socio-economic development. Political dialogue should be promoted to overcome the menace of terrorism and extremism.
The Australian Foreign Minister termed the enforcement of Nizam-e-Adl Regulation in Malakand Division a positive move of the Pakistani government. However, he pointed out that such agreements never proved fruitful in the past.
To a question, he said that steps taken by Pakistan in the aftermath of the Mumbai incident are also appreciable, saying that India should also play its positive role to maintain peace in the region. "Australia would appreciate if the composite dialogue process between India and Pakistan resumes," he added.
Stephen said that Pakistan and Australia could do more for enhancing co-operation in a various areas including agriculture, horticulture and trade. Besides, he said, the two countries would also enhance relations in the field of defence, promotion of civil society and strengthening democracy.
He further said that Australia would enhance the quota to impart training to the Pakistani military personnel to enable them for combating militancy in the region. He said that the two countries would also sign a MoU to check money laundering and narcotics.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that Pakistan values its relations with Australia which are characterised by cordiality and friendship and desires to further deepen these ties through consistent engagement at the highest level. We have noted that the initiation of Defence Strategic Dialogue, Annual Bilateral Consultations between the two Foreign Offices as well as the formation of Joint Trade Committee would auger well for our bilateral relations.
He said that it is also gratifying to note that the two-way bilateral trade, (Australian $650 million approximately) though far below its existing potential, has increased. Australian companies have a significant presence in Pakistan and they are doing good business. He said that we are also happy that Australia has associated itself with the Friends of Democratic Pakistan Forum.
Qureshi said that he briefed Stephen Smith and his team on the internal situation in Pakistan especially the new government agenda and vision for the country for which the Australian Minister expressed his government's strong support.
"Within the context of bilateral trade, I made a case for enhanced market access for Pakistan which would enable us to generate more employment opportunities and root out poverty and extremism," he said. He said that both sides also held detailed deliberations on regional and international issues including the situation in Afghanistan, the constructive and positive steps taken by the government of Pakistan in the aftermath of Mumbai attacks and counter terrorism. Qureshi said that his Australian counterpart also praised our helping hand in Afghanistan's reconstruction and development, adding that he also reiterated that the war against terror could not be won by military means alone and that a multi-pronged strategy was required to root out the causes of terrorism and win the hearts and minds of the people.
Australia recognises that Pakistan is playing a pivotal role in the region and its security, stability and prosperity is vital for regional and international peace and security. Our efforts in addressing the challengers of extremism and terrorism and to promote national economic development require the support of the international community. We appreciate the understanding and support shown by Australia to our endeavours.