LONDON
Pakistan and Britain have agreed to review the whole spectrum of enhanced strategic dialogue for further strengthening bilateral relations in different fields.
The understanding came at a meeting between Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and British Foreign Secretary William Hague in London.
During the meeting‚ the two sides reviewed progress on bilateral commitments and discussed future plans to develop a deeper dialogue between the two countries‚ strengthening friendship and promoting mutual interests.
Adviser Sartaj Aziz and Foreign Secretary William Hague discussed priority areas of the bilateral relationship including; renewing commitment to increase bilateral trade to £3 billion by 2015; promoting investments; enhancing Pakistan’s EU trade access recently secured with significant UK support; the UK’s commitment to stand alongside Pakistan to tackle militancy, terrorism and extremism while acknowledging the huge sacrifices the Pakistani nation has made.
They also welcomed the positive contribution made by the British Pakistani community to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries. The two sides agreed to review the whole spectrum of the Enhanced Strategic Dialogue during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s forthcoming visit to the UK.
After the meeting‚ Aziz said, “We have agreed to intensify efforts to achieve meaningful and mutually beneficial progress in a holistic manner under the framework of the Enhanced Strategic Dialogue.”
Foreign Secretary William Hague said, “Pakistan and the UK share longstanding ties. I was pleased to have this opportunity to discuss plans to reframe the Enhanced Strategic Dialogue into a deeper and more focused agreement between our two countries, which strengthens our partnership and promotes our mutual interests.
This dialogue represents a continuing, long-term commitment by both countries to work together to create the conditions necessary for greater security and prosperity.”
The dialogue was signed in 2011 and sets out the UK and Pakistan’s strategic partnership in five areas: trade and business relations; financial, macro-economic stabilisation and development cooperation; Education and health; consultations on defence and security; and cultural cooperation.