President Asif Ali Zardari and British Prime Minister David Cameron on Tuesday held wide ranging discussions on various issues of bilateral co-operation, Pak-UK strategic dialogue, fight against militancy and regional issues. They also discussed trade access to EU markets for Pakistan's goods, collaboration in the fields of trade and investment, agriculture, education and culture.
During the meeting held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Chairperson Conservative Party, Ed Llewellyn, Chief of Staff, Sir Peter Ricketts, National Security Advisor and Adam Thomson, British High Commissioner were also present. Pakistan side was included Interior Minister Senator A. Rehman Malik, Senator Mian Raza Rabbani, Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Co-ordination and Human Rights, M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President, Ms Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, Wajid Shamasul Hassan, Pak High Commissioner to UK and Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar.
Briefing the media about the meeting, Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that both the leaders affirmed their commitment to further enhance strategic and co-operative ties between the two countries based on shared interests and mutual respect. He said that the President, while, welcoming David Cameron on his first official visit to Pakistan, said that the visit will further boost the already existing close bilateral equation between the two countries.
The President said that the presence of over one million British Pakistanis was a living bridge, adding that they are an asset for both Britain and Pakistan and "we are proud of the contributions they are making to UK's progress and towards promoting Pak- UK relations."
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Chairperson Conservative Party is a role model not only for British Pakistanis but Pakistanis as well, he said. The President said that the Pak- UK strategic dialogue covering important facets of the relations was a significant step and was vital for the two countries, for the region and for the world as a whole and stressed the need that the two sides should gear up to achieve the objectives that they have set for themselves in the Declaration of Enhanced Strategic Dialogue.
He said, "we believe that the National Security Dialogue, comprising political, military and intelligence tracks would lead to creating a better understanding in bringing about clarity on issues of global, regional peace and security." Pakistan wants to have an in-depth engagement with the UK on these issues, he said and added that such an engagement must be premised on sovereign equality, mutual trust and respect and mutual interest.
Discussing Afghanistan situation, the President said that peace and stability in Afghanistan was necessary for regional peace and emphasised on Afghan led peace process in the country rather than foreign led. The President said that an appreciation of the dynamics of human relations by the international community was no less important than machines and weapons.
The President said that any initiative on Afghanistan should ensure Afghan ownership of the process as well as territorial integrity of the country and that its soil was not used against any other country. Pakistan stands for peaceful, stable, friendly and a united Afghanistan, the President said.
The President said that the government and the people of Pakistan greatly appreciate British acknowledgement of Pak counter terrorism efforts and its contributions through funding and capacity building. He said that Pakistan has rendered great sacrifices both human and material than any other country in the fight against militancy and terrorism.
He said that this was a long-drawn battle where force alone cannot accomplish complete victory as it was also a battle of hearts and minds. The President said that the government besides following its policy of dialogue, development and deterrence is also undertaking measures to wean away the youth falling into the trap of militants.