British leader briefed on priorities

Published September 4, 2008

ISLAMABAD, Sept 3: The leader of Britain’s Conservative Party, David Cameron, called on Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday.

Mr Cameron, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan, also discussed the status of bilateral relations, trade, development assistance and investment between the two countries.

Mr Qureshi briefed Mr Cameron about developments in Pakistan after the induction of the PPP-led government.

He highlighted the government’s priorities, particularly in context of economic growth and development, suppressing extremism and terrorism and strengthening democratic institutions.

Mr Cameron assured Mr Qureshi of his party’s support on all issues.

The foreign minister emphasised the need for more access for Pakistani products in the European Union, saying it would complement the government’s efforts to root out poverty and extremism.

Mr. Cameron agreed to take up the issue with the EU officials. The situation in Afghanistan, relations with India and nuclear non-proliferation were also discussed.

Mr Qureshi stressed the need for promoting peace in Afghanistan and reaffirmed the government’s resolve not to allow anyone to use Pakistan’s soil for subversive activities in Afghanistan.

He apprised Mr Cameron about the status of the composite dialogue with India and “our endeavours to resolve all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute”.

He highlighted Pakistan’s policy on nuclear non- proliferation and said it was making efforts to bring about a “just and non-discriminatory nuclear non-proliferation regime”.

Mr Cameron praised Pakistan’s position on various issues.—APP

Opinion

Editorial

Quetta bombing
Updated 10 Nov, 2024

Quetta bombing

THERE appears to be no end to the stream of violent incidents occurring in Balochistan, indicating a clear failure ...
Burdened courts
10 Nov, 2024

Burdened courts

ACCORDING to recent reports, the new chief justice has set about implementing a recently adopted plan for clearing...
Playing in Pakistan
10 Nov, 2024

Playing in Pakistan

MOHSIN Naqvi, Pakistan’s cricket chief, has shown a brave face. Now he has to be unrelenting and put the onus on...
Wake-up call
Updated 09 Nov, 2024

Wake-up call

Pakistan must heed UN's wake-up call and bring its laws and practices in line with its international human rights obligations.
Foreign banks’ exit
09 Nov, 2024

Foreign banks’ exit

WHY are foreign banks leaving Pakistan? In the last couple of decades, we have seen a number of global banking...
Kurram protest
09 Nov, 2024

Kurram protest

FED up with the state’s apathy towards their plight, the people of Kurram tribal district took to the streets on...