Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday urged the United Kingdom to continue supporting Pakistan in its efforts to secure GSP-Plus status with the European Union. The Prime Minister was talking to British Foreign Secretary William Hague who called on him here at the PM Office. The two sides discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the direction and trajectory of the relationship.
During the meeting, focus was laid particularly on the government of Pakistan''s priorities of revitalising the economy, dealing with energy crisis, creating a pro-business and pro-investment climate, and improving the security situation. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan''s commitment to support all initiatives aimed at promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The Prime Minister also apprised Secretary Hague of the initiatives aimed at improving relations with India, including the revival of back channel diplomacy and the resumption of dialogue process. Secretary Hague expressed full support for all the initiatives and reaffirmed British friendship for Pakistan and the Britain''s desire to contribute to Pakistan''s development and prosperity.
The two sides noted that the visit of Prime Minister David Cameron last month had sent the right message for an enduring partnership between the two countries. The meeting discussed how the United Kingdom could contribute and benefit from investment and business opportunities in Pakistan. The two leaders also discussed the situation in the region, including Afghanistan. The British Foreign Secretary was accompanied by the British High Commissioner Adam Thompson and other senior officials. The Prime Minister was assisted by the Advisor on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani.