UK team, President discuss regional security situation

A British delegation led by Alistair Burt, Parliamentary Under-secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on Monday called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Briefing the media, spokesperson to President Farhatullah Babar said matters relating to Pak-UK bilateral co-operation, strategic dialogue, fight against militancy, trade and economic co-operation and regional issues were discussed during the meeting.
The situation arising out of the Abbottabad operation was also discussed on the occasion. The president said that Pakistan has rendered great sacrifices both human and material than any other country in the fight against militancy and terrorism. He said that government and people of Pakistan appreciate British acknowledgement of country's counter terrorism efforts. He further said that Britain and Pakistan need to work closely to further enhance their partnership in diverse areas mainly in trade, investment and education with a view to eliminate militancy and terrorism from Pakistan and promote peace and security in the region and the world.
Zardari, however, emphasised on trade not aid to create job opportunities for the youth of the country and said that 65 percent of country's population comprises youth that look for jobs and opportunities, which have been destroyed by war on militancy. A jobless and idle youth is likely to join the ranks of extremists unless he is provided with the opportunities that give him hope for the future. He said that he is asking the world community to help Pakistan recover its shattered economy through opportunities for greater trade and market access and not just aid.
Highlighting significance of Pak-UK strategic dialogue, said covering important aspects of our relations, it would further strengthen co-operative partnership between the two countries. He emphasised the need that the two sides should gear up and make concerted efforts to achieve the objectives that they have set in the Declaration of Enhanced Strategic Dialogue. He said that National Security Dialogue would lead to creating a better understanding in bringing about clarity on global, regional peace and security issues. He said that Pakistan wants to have an in-depth engagement with the UK on these issues, adding that such an engagement must be based on sovereign equality, mutual trust and respect and mutual interest.
Discussing Afghanistan situation, the president said peace and stability in the country is necessary for regional peace and emphasised Afghan-led peace process in the country. Pakistan would support any initiative on the issue, which ensures Afghan ownership of the process as well as territorial integrity of the country and that its soil is not used against any other country. He reiterated Pakistan stance for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.
The delegation appreciated the sacrifices made by the government and people of Pakistan in fighting violent extremism and militancy and assured the democratic government continued support and co-operation of British government in curbing militancy, revival of economy and trade, investment and education.
The delegation included Permanent Under-secretary of British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Simon Fraser and Dr Peter Tibber, British Acting High Commissioner in Islamabad. The Pakistani side comprised A. Rehman Malik, Federal Minister for Interior, M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General, Ex- Law Minister Dr Zaheeruddin Babar Awan, Farahnaz Ispahani, MNA Senator Sughra Imam and Spokesperson to President, Farhatullah Babar.-PR