Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Britain's Cabinet Minister on Wednesday agreed that the Pakistan-UK enhanced strategic dialogue was an important vehicle in promoting relations between the two countries for their mutual benefit.
Baroness Warsi, also the Chairperson of the Conservative Party, called on Foreign Minister Khar here and discussed matters of mutual interest. The Foreign Minister appreciated Baroness Warsi's efforts towards enhancing Pakistan-UK relations in diverse areas.
She regarded Baroness Warsi as "a great asset for Pakistan", and said she was a role model not only for British-Pakistanis but also for Pakistani women. Khar commended the Baroness for maintaining strong bonds with the country of her origin while working tirelessly for Britain.
The two sides emphasised that all possible efforts would be made to increase bilateral trade between the two countries to 2.5 billion pounds by 2015, as was agreed by Prime Minister Gilani and Prime Minister Cameron during the latter's visit to Pakistan in April 2011. They agreed that the presence of over 100 British companies in Pakistan was testimony to enormous lucrative business and investment opportunities in the country.
The foreign minister briefed Baroness Warsi about different aspects of Pakistan's foreign policy, including the recent developments in Pakistan-US relations, Afghanistan and Pakistan-EU relations. It was underlined that Pakistan had always practiced its foreign policy on the basis of principles and the parliamentary process currently underway to formulate new terms of engagement with the US would go a long way in strengthening parliamentary practices and democracy in Pakistan.
The foreign minister commended the contribution being made by British-Pakistanis in strengthening Pakistan-UK ties, as a living bridge between the two countries. The Foreign Minister said she was looking forward to interacting with members of the Pakistani diaspora during her next visit to the UK.
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