Khar, Hague agree on Pakistan, UK cooperation against extremism

ISLAMABAD: "UK Foreign Secretary William Hague met Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar at the United Nations the other day, which was their first face to face meeting since Rabbani Khar was appointed as Pakistani Foreign Minister, says a press release received here on Wednesday.

The Foreign Secretary paid tribute to Pakistan’s sacrifices in the struggle against terrorism. Both Ministers agreed on the importance of UK/Pakistani cooperation against violent extremism, besides sharing views on the need for a process of political reconciliation in Afghanistan.

The Foreign Secretary offered Rabbani Khar condolences on the loss of life in Pakistan’s recent floods and assured her of Britain’s offer of assistance. The Foreign Secretary emphasised Britain’s commitment to assisting Pakistan’s economic growth, including through greater market access.

The two Ministers agreed to meet in London next week and to seek early agreement on a date for the next meeting of the UK/Pakistan Enhanced Strategic Dialogue.

Both Ministers looked forward to attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Australia next month.

Copyright PPI (Pakistan Press International), 2011