Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Tuesday urged increased trade and market access for Pakistani products into the European markets to stabilise country's economy and address issues of poverty and unemployment.
The prime minister was talking to British Foreign Secretary William Hague who called on him here to discuss matters pertaining to Pakistan-UK bilateral relations.
Gilani who arrived here Monday to hold meetings with British leadership apart from his private engagements, said Pakistan-UK multidimensional cooperation in various areas especially in the socio-economic realm was vital to create new opportunities, development and promote peace and security in the region.
Pak-UK Strategic dialogue, trade access for Pakistani goods to European Union markets, collaboration between the two countries in the fields of trade and investment and education also came under discussion.
He said Pakistan noted the positive recommendation of the EU Council of Ministers about Pakistan in their meeting on July 18. The Statement, he said recognizes Pakistan's sacrifices and achievements against terrorism and also reaffirms EU's commitment to Pakistan's eligibility to the GSP plus.
As partners, the prime minister said Pakistan looks forwards to the early convening of the third Pak-EU Summit and to work towards achieving the common objective of strengthening democracy, economic prosperity and a world free from terrorism.
He appreciated British PM's speech in the parliament supporting Pakistan's role in global peace and security. The best way to fight extremism and terrorism, he said was to strengthen democracy and address the root causes that stem from socio-economic deprivations.
PM Gilani said the government looked forward to the United Kingdom and international community for support in facing numerous challenges in the fight against militancy.
He expressed hope that the UK would be able to withdraw the travel advisory to its citizens regarding Pakistan, which would greatly help businesses and trade linkages between two countries.
He also hoped that the British Airways would commence its flight operations for Pakistan.
Gilani emphasized upon the need for deepening consultation on global and regional issues of peace and stability, enhancing investment and trade, collaboration in the education sector, and cultural and parliamentary links.
He said the government and the people of Pakistan appreciate Britain's acknowledgment of Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts and its contributions through funding and capacity building.
The PM also highlighted that Pakistan has suffered tremendously in the global fight against terrorism and its economy has been greatly ravaged by the ongoing war against militancy. He reiterated his government's resolve to fight terrorism till its elimination.
The prime minister said the government looked forward to United Kingdom and international community for support and assistance in facing numerous challenges in this ongoing fight.
The British Foreign Secretary said the UK recognizes that no country had suffered more from the scourge of terrorism than Pakistan. He said his government would continue to extend all possible support in promoting educational facilities in Pakistan besides employment generation and poverty eradication in various areas of Pakistan.
Hague said Pakistan and UK have shared determination to defeat terrorism and violent extremist. He said it was in the interest of both the countries to sustain the strategic relationship based on mutual respect, trust and benefit.
He also assured continued support of the British government in Pakistan's efforts against militancy and terrorism and to meet the critical economic challenges facing the country.
William Hague assured continued support to Pakistan for trade access to the EU market and also endeavours to institutionalize Pakistan-EU relationship.
The UK, he said looks for long-term strategic partnership with Pakistan beyond 2014.
He mentioned that the UK was anxiously looking at positive results of Afghan reconciliation process to bring about peace and stability in the region. He said any arrangement derived at for peace and stability in Afghanistan must also ensure peace and security of Pakistan. (APP)