ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday said that the British Parliamentarians of Pakistani origin could play a very important role in further cementing the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Britain.
He said bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Britain was rooted in history and could help enormously in dispelling misperceptions arising out of some unfortunate incidents.
The President said this during his meeting with the member of British Parliament Barrister Rehman Chishti here at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Barrister Chishti, British Conservative politician elected MP for Gillingham and Rainham in the 2010 general election, was born in Muzaffarabad. He has also served as Special Advisor to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
Matters relating to Pak-UK bilateral relations and Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (ESD), role of Pakistani immigrants in UK, war against militants and the current regional situation and Pakistan's efforts for greater trade access in the EU were discussed during the meeting.
President Zardari said that one million strong Pakistani community in the United Kingdom with seven in the House of Common and four in the House of Lords served as a strong bridge between the two countries and could play an invaluable role in not only promoting and further strengthening the existing equation but also help removing misperceptions between the communities that arise due to some unfortunate incidents.
He said that with strong relations which were rooted in the history, it was important to work closely for taking advantage of each others resources and to deal with the issues of mutual concern.
He said that Pakistan considers UK as a close friend and partner and it was important that the momentum generated as a result of Enhanced Strategic Dialogue is sustained.
He said that economic component of the relation -- being the foremost part of ESD- holds fundamental importance.
He said economic stability was crucial for democratic Pakistan as "we were passing through difficult times".
"We need greater market access and investment especially from our partners as our economy has received major jolts from the conflict in Afghanistan, scourge of terrorism and unprecedented natural calamities," he said.
The President said Pakistan was keen to increase the bilateral trade to 2.5 billion by 2015.
He called upon Barrister Chishti to urge British investors and businessmen to take advantage of the investment-friendly policies of Pakistan.
The President said that it was encouraging that the EU trade package for Pakistan has been cleared by WTO.
It is now important, the President said, that the package enters into force at the earliest.
He said that Pakistan expected Britain to take a lead in completing the EU's internal process.
Discussing Britain's assistance towards education sector, the President said that Pakistan greatly appreciates and acknowledges Britain's invaluable contribution towards the education sector that holds the key to win the battle of mindsets and is a real tool for the transformation of the society.
Appreciating the British government for Department
for International Development (DFID) Operational Plan 2011-15, the President said, "We urge other countries to emulate DFID and assist us in education sector in particular."
Barrister Chishti thanked the President for meeting and assured British Government's continued support to the Government and people of Pakistan.
He also condoled with the President over the martyrdom of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto expressing his profound grief over the tragedy.