LONDON, Feb 12: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said in a meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron here on Tuesday that Pakistan desired a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and was working closely with the Afghan High Peace Council to ensure that steps taken in this regard were beneficial.

He stressed the need for strengthening the Afghan security forces during the transition period to enable them to take up the responsibilities of the future.

The British leader praised the recently concluded trilateral meeting on the issue and said Pakistan’s role was constructive and he would visit the country this summer to carry the process forward.

“Your friends are our friends, and your enemies are our enemies,” he said.

Expressing satisfaction over bilateral relations, both the leaders said they hoped to strengthen their cooperation during the transition in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Ashraf thanked the British premier for his country’s support on the issue of Pakistan securing the ‘GSP plus’ status from the EU countries.

He praised the assistance being extended by the United Kingdom for the development of health and education sectors in Pakistan.

The prime minister apprised Mr Cameron of the investment opportunities in Pakistan and the economic reforms and policies initiated by his government to facilitate investors.

About ties between Pakistan and India, the British prime minister said there was “need to open market to harvest economic bonuses”.

Prime Minister Ashraf said Britain had proved to be a friend of democratic Pakistan. —APP