Zardari for multi-faceted Pak-UK ties

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday reiterated Pakistan's desire for a multi-faceted and deep engagement with the United Kingdom on various issues based on sovereign equality, mutual trust and respect.

In a meeting with the UK Secretary of State for International Development Andrew Mitchell here at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President said Pakistan highly appreciates British assistance to Pakistan particularly in education sector.

Lauding United Kingdom's DFID new Operational Plan 2011-2015, the President especially thanked the British Government for earmarking its major chunk of assistance during this Plan of around 650 million pounds, for the education sector.

Zardari said Pakistan counts on the UK's continued support in its sustainable development and further deepening of the bilateral relationship within the framework of Pak-UK Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (ESD).

He said that Pakistan was keenly looking forward to the first annual review of the ESD in May 2012 as the dialogue was a significant step towards further strengthening of the mutual equation and helping the two countries creating a better mutual understanding and clarity on issues of global, regional peace and security.

The President also appreciated the UK's official Development Assistance to Pakistan and expressed the hope that development assistance will continue post 2013.

Discussing DFID's new Operational Plan 2011-2015 that envisages assistance of almost 1.4 billion pounds over four years thus making Pakistan the largest recipient of the UK's development assistance, the President welcomed the funds to strengthen education sector, especially the primary education.

The new Plan 2011-2015 focuses on education, reproductive/maternity health, governance and security and poverty alleviation besides Humanitarian assistance.

Department for International Development has earmarked 203.5 pound million in the long term support to the education sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with its government as the implementing agency.

Zardari also highlighted various initiatives to provide relief to the people through the government's flagship program - the Benazir Income Support Programme.

He said that Pakistan would greatly appreciate DFID support to Benazir Income Support Program which provided sustenance to the poor.

He said Pakistanis were the worst sufferers of the war against militant mindset and have paid the heaviest price of the war.

He said, "We greatly appreciate British Government and people's support to our people and the country in our fight to make this region peaceful and stable."

The President thanked the British Government for supporting Pakistan at the European Commission. He said, "We have had positive news on the EU's success in getting Autonomous Trade Preferences through Pakistan at the WTO."

He expressed the hope that Pakistan would continue to get British support for the GSP+ and Five-Year Engagement Plan with the EU should help Pakistan towards acquiring GSP plus.

The President reiterated Pakistan's principled stance of supporting Afghan-owned and Afghan-led inclusive process of peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

UK Secretary of State for International Development Andrew Mitchell assured that the British Government would continue to extend all possible support in improving educational facilities in Pakistan besides poverty eradication and employment generation.

He also assured continued support of the British government to Pakistan's efforts in fight against militancy and overcoming critical challenges facing the country's economy.

Those who were present during today's meeting included Hina Rabbani Khar, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Finance Minister, Interior Minister A. Rehman Malik, Salman Faruqui, Secretary General, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and other senior officials.

Andrew Mitchell was accompanied by Sir Michael Barber, Special Representative for Education in Pakistan, UK High Commissioner Adam Thomson, DG DFID Mr. Mark Brown and other officials.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2012