Yousuf Raza Gilani reiterates Pakistan’s resolve for enhancing cooperation with the UK in the economic, defence & trade sectors

ISLAMABAD, August 01 (SABAH): Chairman, Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani met UK Minister of State for South Asia Hamish Falconer MP at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London. High Commissioner of Pakistan to the UK, Dr. Mohammad Faisal was also present.

Chairman Senate congratulated Minister Falconer on his appointment. He underscored the importance of a robust Pakistan-UK partnership for advancing both countries’ interests in the bilateral and regional domains. The Chairman Senate highlighted the contributions of the 1.6 million strong British-Pakistani diaspora to enriching ties between the two countries.

Chairman Senate stated that it is high time that the enhanced strategic dialogue initiated between two countries in 2011, may now be transformed into a enhanced strategic partnership.

He reiterated Pakistan’s resolve for enhancing cooperation with the UK in the economic, defence and trade sectors.

Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani also emphasized the importance of the resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions and international law for achieving lasting peace and stability in South Asia. While expressing concern about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, he called for an immediate ceasefire and resolution of the Palestine dispute.

Minister of State Falconer thanked the Chairman Senate for his visit to the FCDO. He reaffirmed his desire to work with the Government of Pakistan to further enhance the Pakistan–UK partnership by deepening cooperation in various sectors including trade & investment, climate change, defence, education and socio-economic development. The Minister also recalled his stay in Multan during the 2010 floods.