British Defence Minister calls on Foreign Minister Qureshi

 

ISLAMABAD: British Defence Secretary John Hutton called on Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi on 19 January. Secretary Hutton has recently replaced Des Brown in Gordon Brown’s Cabinet.

 

The two Ministers exchanged views on the regional security situation, especially the counter‑terrorism effort, developments in Afghanistan, and the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks.

 

In the bilateral context the state of defence cooperation also came under discussion. The Foreign Minister briefed the British dignitary on the significant improvement in Pak‑Afghan relations ever since the Democratic Government assumed office.

 

The Foreign Minister also highlighted important practical steps taken by the Government of Pakistan in the context of Mumbai incident and expressed the hope that India would take rational and cooperative decisions in this regard.

 

Foreign Minister Qureshi apprised Hutton on the Government’s multi‑pronged strategy in the fight against extremism and terrorism.

 

At the same time he conveyed the government’s concerns over violations of Pakistan’s territory from across the border, which was counter‑productive. 

 

John Hutton expressed satisfaction over the level of defence cooperation between the two countries and assured the Foreign Minister of the UK’s continued support to help Pakistan enhance its capacity in the fight against extremism and terrorism.

 

He agreed with the Foreign Minister on the need for a long term strategy on Afghanistan with close cooperation between Afghanistan’s neighbours and friends.

 

 

19 Jan 2009

APP

 

 

 

 

Pakistan and Britain discuss bilateral and regional matters

 

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Defence Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar and the visiting Secretary of State for Defence United Kingdom John Hutton held a meeting and exchanged views on various subjects including defence cooperation, Pakistan’s anti‑terror efforts and the ongoing tension between Pakistan and India in the wake of Mumbai attacks.

 

Both sides underlined the need to further intensify bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, economy and particularly defence. 

 

The Minister informed the visiting dignitary about the defence requirements of Pakistan.  John Hutton said that his country would help Pakistan in meeting its defence needs.

 

The Minister highlighting the counter‑terrorism measures taken by Pakistan said that Pakistan was committed to combat and eliminate terrorism as it was posing a grave threat to the global peace.

 

The British Defence Secretary lauded the contribution made by Pakistan against the war on terror. He said both countries needed to work closely to overcome the menace.

 

On the ongoing tension between Pakistan and India the Minister told his British counterpart that Pakistan wanted to promote friendly ties with all its neighboring countries including India. 

 

He said Pakistan remains committed to uncover the facts pertaining to Mumbai attacks, and would share with India the outcome of the investigation. 

 

The Minister lauded the endorsement of Pakistan’s stance by Great Britain that the state of Pakistan was not involved in the attacks.

 

He reiterated the stand that Pakistan is strongly committed to non‑proliferation and non‑transfer of sensitive technology to the third world countries.

 

 

19 Jan 2009

APP