ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and United Kingdom have discussed the ways to further advance mutual cooperation in all areas of common interest, the Foreign Office said.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Foreign Office said that Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood held a video call with the British Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth, Lord Tariq Ahmad, on 8th September 2020. "Views were exchanged on matters relating to bilateral cooperation, regional situation, and multilateral issues including climate change and Commonwealth," it stated. It added that Pakistan and the UK enjoyed close friendly ties, based on historic linkages and shared perceptions on a broad range of regional and international issues. The two sides discussed ways to further advance the mutual cooperation, it further stated.

Bilaterally, the importance of frequent high-level exchanges, a closer trade and economic partnership, and stronger role of the diasporas in forging a robust bilateral relationship was emphasized, it stated, adding that the two sides also appreciated their close collaboration that resulted in timely repatriation of stranded nationals due to the Covid-19.

In the regional context, it added that the foreign secretary shared Pakistan's perspective on Afghanistan, reiterating Pakistan's steadfast support for the Afghan peace process and underlining the need for the earliest commencement of Intra-Afghan negotiations. He also underscored the importance of an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement for durable peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.

The foreign secretary also highlighted the grave situation in the IIOJK, marked by egregious violations of human rights, illegal measures to change the demographic structure of the occupied territory, and threat to peace and security posed by intensified ceasefire violations and India's belligerent actions. The foreign secretary underlined the need for the international community to play its part in diffusion of tensions and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

The foreign secretary reiterated the invitation to the British Minister of State to visit Pakistan at the earliest opportunity.

The two sides agreed to continue to work together to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all areas of common interest.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020