British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Tuesday that Britain wants a fresh start in bilateral ties helping Pakistan to become secure, prosperous, open and flourishing. Addressing students and faculty members of COMSATS University here, he said, "I come here today to mark a new chapter in the relationship between our two countries."
The speech was watched on videolink by students at COMSATS campuses across Pakistan. Students at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom, which has a dual degree scheme with COMSATS University was also joined by videolink. Cameron recalled that he and President Asif Ali Zardari agreed when he visited Chequers last August that "we want to deepen and enhance the unbreakable partnership between Pakistan and Britain. The unbreakable partnership must not just be between our two governments. It must be between our peoples too."
"The links between our countries go deep. So as Prime Minister in London, ensuring what is best for Britain means that I have a direct interest in seeing Pakistan succeed," he added. The Prime Minister said, "We want that relationship for the long term. We want to work to strengthen that relationship, now and in the future."
Cameron acknowledged there were challenges that their friendship must overcome. "But I want to argue today that they shouldn't hold us back anymore." "Whether it's relations with India, our security, or questions of governance, if we work closely with one another, if we're clear that we need each other to succeed, we can grasp these difficult issues and move beyond them to a better future."
He said it is time for a new step in relations between Britain and Pakistan and between Britons and Pakistanis. "Let's make this the start of a new era in the relations between our countries, our governments, our peoples. Let's clear up the misunderstandings of the past, work through the tensions of the present and look together to the opportunities of the future," he remarked.
"A Pakistan that is safe for its citizens, free from the threat of terror on your doorsteps, in your neighbourhoods. A Britain working alongside you, for our mutual benefit. A Pakistan with more jobs and opportunities for all its young people. A Britain trading and investing more strongly with you, for our mutual prosperity. A Pakistan that is open, free and tolerant. A Britain that respects your choices; a relationship of mutual trust," he continued.