ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that Pakistan and the United Kingdom are important trading partner, and "we look forward to further enhancing this partnership". Foreign Minister Qureshi was speaking to the British High Commissioner, Dr Christian Turner, here Tuesday, who called on him, the Foreign Office said.

During the meeting, issues of mutual interest, including bilateral relations and the coronavirus pandemic were discussed. Qureshi stated that there had been a long and deep bilateral relationship between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. "The UK is an important trading partner of Pakistan and we look forward to further deepening this partnership," he added.

Referring to the grave human rights violations by the Indian forces in the occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the foreign minister urged the international community to play their active role for resolution of Kashmir dispute as per the UN Security Council resolutions.

According to the Foreign Office, the British High Commissioner commended Pakistan's strategy to deal with coronavirus situations.

"The strategy through which Pakistan has successfully contained the virus from further spread is commendable," Turner was quoted by the Foreign Office in the statement.

It further stated that the British High Commissioner also appreciated Pakistan's conciliatory efforts for restoration of peace in Afghanistan. During the meeting, it added that consultations were also held on the promotion of bilateral cooperation in the fields of climate change, education, and tourism.

It added that the British High Commissioner, Christian Turner, appreciated Pakistan's tourist destinations, and also briefed the foreign minister on his recent visit to the northern areas of Pakistan.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020