ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed the hope that Pakistan and the United Kingdom Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (ESD) would help deepen bilateral engagement between the two sides in a range of mutually-beneficial areas.

The prime minister said that while talking to UK Minister for Armed Forces James Heappey, here on Wednesday after receiving him. The premier said that in this regard, he expressed the desire to further enhance trade and investment ties between the two countries.

Noting that the two countries would be marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations this year, the prime minister hoped that the occasion will be commemorated in a befitting manner and provide new impetus to further advancing Pakistan-UK cooperation in the years ahead.

The prime minister also stressed the importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, while highlighting the importance and urgency of taking necessary steps to avert a humanitarian crisis in that country. The Prime Minister underscored that the well-being of 40 million Afghans should be a key priority.

On Ukraine, the prime minister spoke of his concern that the ongoing conflict had implications for the developing countries as well, while reaffirming Pakistan’s principled position on the issue. He urged the international community to remain engaged in the search for a diplomatic solution, in accordance with the relevant international law and the UN Charter.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the serious situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Underlining Pakistan’s commitment to promote peace in the region, including with India, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. He also underscored the importance of maintaining stable military balance in South Asia.

The visiting UK Minister reciprocated the prime minister’s sentiments to further augment the historic relationship between the two countries, especially in the trade and investment sectors. He also conveyed his government’s deep appreciation for Pakistan’s cooperation with the UK, particularly with regard to evacuations in the aftermath of developments in Afghanistan post-15 August 2021.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2022