Talking to the British Home Secretary Theresa May here at his hotel, the prime minister said the two countries were also cooperating to help eliminate the threat from the Improvised Explosive Devices.

Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and Interior Minister Rehman Malik also joined the meeting.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik confirmed that talks between the two countries were a regular feature on the issue of IEDs.

The British Home Secretary later told APP that she had very "useful discussions" with Prime Minister Gilani, Foreign Minister Khar and the Interior Minister.

She said the two countries have strong relationship and can work collectively together in countering extremism and terrorism and the talks focussed on strengthening the links between the two countries, which was quite important.

She said the UK has already improved its visa service for all those wishing to come to the UK.

During the talks the Pakistan side also raised the issue of visas, particularly for its students, and was informed that it has been improved and urgent visas can now be obtained. However, the Pakistan side said despite improvement in some areas, there was still considerable delay and its students were facing problems that need to be rectified.

Theresa May recalled her recent visit to Pakistan where she met officials of Nadra and Narcotics Control and appreciated their work. She was also appreciative of the large Pakistani Diaspora that was playing an important role in the economy of the United Kingdom.

She said a number of British Pakistanis were also members of the Parliament and helping build bridges between the governments and people of the two countries.

Gilani said the two countries have deep and long lasting ties that have continued to grow from strength to strength. He said both the countries under the fold of the Commonwealth were playing a key role in a building a peaceful and prosperous world.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2012