President for pursuing all strands of Pak-UK strategic dialogue to intensify mutual partnership

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday said that Pakistan desired to further enhance Pak-UK relationship based on mutuality of respect, trust and interest.

He said that Enhanced Strategic Dialogue between the two countries had facilitated structured interaction and called for vigorously pursuing all the five strands of the Dialogue to intensify mutual partnership.

The President was talking to UK Home Secretary and Minister for Women and Equality Ms. Theresa May, who called on him here at Aiwan-e-Sadr.She was accompanied by UK High Commissioner Adam Thomson, Special Advisor to Home Secretary Fiona Cunningham, Director Office of Security and Counter Terrorism Charles Farr and other officials.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Senator Syeda Sughra Imam, MNA Ms. Farahnaz Ispahani, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar and other officials were also present during the meeting from Pakistan side.

Briefing about the meeting, Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that a wide spectrum of Pak-UK bilateral relations including trade, Enhanced Strategic Dialogue, war against militancy and Pakistani diaspora in UK was discussed during the meeting.

The President said that the economic content of Pak-UK relationship was of fundamental importance and called for giving it focused attention. He said that Pakistan has suffered heavily both in terms of human as well as economic terms in the struggle against militancy.

The President said that military aspect was one part of the overall strategy to permanently defeat forces that bred militant mindset. Other equally important components were to address those fundamental causes that contributed to inculcating a sense of deprivation and extremist proclivities, he added.

He said there was a need to provide economic opportunities to the people especially to the youth of the militancy-hit areas so that they are effectively weaned away from falling into the trap of the militant elements.

The President said that the West especially Pakistan's friends such as UK could help the country in securing greater market access and attracting more investments in the country.

With more trade and economic activities, a win-win situation can be created, the President emphasized, adding, in this context Pakistan greatly appreciates UK's support for the country within European Union.

The President said that Pakistan was looking forward to negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the EU. He expressed the hope that UK's support would help the country to qualify for the revised GSP Plus scheme.

Such arrangement, the President said, would help Pakistan to increase its exports, generate thousands of jobs and move towards economic stability necessary for combating militancy.

The President also appreciated British assistance of 650 million Pounds for the primary education terming it a timely initiative to help the country in the education sector.

On regional situation, the President said that Pakistan stands for peace in the region and has always supported every effort in this regard. He said that drug trafficking, as the source of militancy funding, was one of the major issue in the region and needed to be curbed.

The President said that Pakistan has always desired a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan. He said that Pakistan has abiding interest in the peaceful, stable, secure and prosperous

Afghanistan and will continue to support every effort of international community

in this regard.

Ms. Theresa May appreciated Pakistan's contributions and the great sacrifices made in the war against militants. She said that UK would continue to support Pakistani people in their fight against militancy.

She also appreciated various measures taken by the government for real empowerment of the women including the Benazir Income Support Programme and recently passed Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Bill.