19 Feb 2011
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari said on Saturday Pakistan had offered huge sacrifices, in terms of social and human losses, to rid the region from the threat of extremism and for ensuring world peace.
Talking to British Cabinet Minister Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, who called on him here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President said Pakistan was not only fighting its battle against extremism, but it was also fighting for a cause that concerns the international community.
He said that militancy and terrorism were the common enemy and cooperation between the two countries must continue to fight this war. He said that the provision of opportunities to the people, especially in the areas worst hit by militancy, were essential to wean away people from militancy.
The President urged Ms. Warsi to use her influence for setting up opportunity zones in the conflict-ridden areas and pleading Pakistan's case for enhanced and preferential trade access to the markets of European Union countries so that our economy could be put back on track.
This would help addressing the issues of poverty and unemployment in the tribal areas and thereby wining the battle of hearts and minds, he said.
The President also appreciated the United Kingdom's development assistance to Pakistan's development plans and said," we greatly appreciate the UK government's sensitivity towards our tough economic situation".
Pak-UK bilateral relations, mutual cooperation, war against terror, regional situation and the role of Pak-origin citizens abroad was discussed during the meeting.
Discussing Pak-UK relations, the President reiterated the need for the two countries to work closely to further strengthen their relationship most notably in the economic sphere and other various areas for the benefit of the two countries.
He said that there was a need to further streamline the existing cooperation in cultural and educational development to promote mutual understanding and bringing the people of the two countries further closer.
Ms. Sayeeda Warsi appreciated the efforts of the government against militancy and reiterated continued British support to the democratic dispensation in Pakistan.
She said that the United Kingdom (UK) would continue to support Pakistan in all possible manners to overcome challenges being faced by the democratic government.
The Baroness was accompanied with British High Commissioner Adam Thomson and other senior officials of the British High Commission.
From Pakistan side, Secretary General M. Salman Faruqui, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Senator Syeda Sughra Imam, MNA Ms. Farahnaz Ispahani, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar also attended the meeting.
Talking to British Cabinet Minister Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, who called on him here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President said Pakistan was not only fighting its battle against extremism, but it was also fighting for a cause that concerns the international community.
He said that militancy and terrorism were the common enemy and cooperation between the two countries must continue to fight this war. He said that the provision of opportunities to the people, especially in the areas worst hit by militancy, were essential to wean away people from militancy.
The President urged Ms. Warsi to use her influence for setting up opportunity zones in the conflict-ridden areas and pleading Pakistan's case for enhanced and preferential trade access to the markets of European Union countries so that our economy could be put back on track.
This would help addressing the issues of poverty and unemployment in the tribal areas and thereby wining the battle of hearts and minds, he said.
The President also appreciated the United Kingdom's development assistance to Pakistan's development plans and said," we greatly appreciate the UK government's sensitivity towards our tough economic situation".
Pak-UK bilateral relations, mutual cooperation, war against terror, regional situation and the role of Pak-origin citizens abroad was discussed during the meeting.
Discussing Pak-UK relations, the President reiterated the need for the two countries to work closely to further strengthen their relationship most notably in the economic sphere and other various areas for the benefit of the two countries.
He said that there was a need to further streamline the existing cooperation in cultural and educational development to promote mutual understanding and bringing the people of the two countries further closer.
Ms. Sayeeda Warsi appreciated the efforts of the government against militancy and reiterated continued British support to the democratic dispensation in Pakistan.
She said that the United Kingdom (UK) would continue to support Pakistan in all possible manners to overcome challenges being faced by the democratic government.
The Baroness was accompanied with British High Commissioner Adam Thomson and other senior officials of the British High Commission.
From Pakistan side, Secretary General M. Salman Faruqui, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Senator Syeda Sughra Imam, MNA Ms. Farahnaz Ispahani, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar also attended the meeting.
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