UK says greatly values partnership with Pakistan

• Johnson accepts Asif’s invitation to visit Pakistan

LONDON/ISLAMABAD: Minister for Foreign Affairs Khawaja Muhammad Asif called on British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of the Government Meeting (CHOGM-2018) in London, according to a press release issued by UK’s Foreign Office.

The two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral relations and reiterated commitment to further strengthening the ties by enhancing trade, promoting investment and creating greater opportunities for educational and cultural cooperation. Johnson said that the UK greatly valued its partnership with Pakistan and was keen to further augment it.

The two sides also discussed regional and global issues. The British secretary particularly appreciated Pakistan’s counter-terrorism achievements and efforts to bring peace and security in the region. Foreign Minister Asif briefed Johnson on the current state of Pakistan-India relations, the situation in the Jammu Kashmir; ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and Working Boundary by the Indian side.

Asif invited Johnson to visit Pakistan for the next round of the Enhanced Strategic Dialogue between the two countries, which the later accepted.