Foreign Minister Qureshi and British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt review Pakistan-UK Enhanced Strategic Dialogue
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and British Foreign Secretary Rt. Hon. Jeremy Hunt held 4th review of Pakistan-UK Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (ESD) at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, today. The Dialogue is an institutional mechanism between the two countries to further deepen bilateral relations in the areas of trade and investment, security, education and cultural cooperation.
The two leaders reaffirmed their respective country’s commitment to take this relationship forward and work for shared prosperity reinforced by the strong Pakistani Diaspora and friendship between the two nations. They reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and agreed to continue building upon the cooperation within the framework of ESD to take this partnership forward.
Matters related to regional tensions, Pakistan’s progress on FATF and climate change were also discussed during the meeting. The two leaders noted with satisfaction convergence of interest and Foreign Minister Qureshi appreciated the UK’s understanding and support to Pakistan in these areas.
Trade and Investment
Both sides agreed to strengthen relations through enhanced bilateral trade links and investment ventures between the two countries. For enhancing this partnership, the two countries will work together to facilitate business to business contacts, explore niche areas for investment such as tourism, infrastructure development, education and agriculture, improve the business climate and raise awareness about market opportunities in Pakistan. Secretary Hunt announced the UK Department for International Trade’s decision to double the available support for exports to Pakistan from up to £400 million to £ 1 billion as part of the growing cooperation in economic terms between the two countries.
Development Cooperation
Foreign Minister Qureshi highlighted the productive discussions he had earlier in the day with the Secretary of State for International Development Rory Stewart and pledged to continue to build upon those interactions for poverty alleviation and capacity building.
Security
Pakistan and the UK reaffirmed their continuing cooperation in security and counter terrorism measures in accordance with the National Action Plan. They agreed to enhance capacity building and information sharing as part of their commitment to achieve greater success in the global fight against terrorism and terror financing, organised crime, money laundering and illegal migration. Both sides pledged to move forward with an early conclusion of the extradition treaty and readmission agreement.
Culture and Education
Both sides agreed to carry forward the institutional framework of ESD in the areas of culture and education forward to build upon the people to people links and the extraordinary personal connections between the two countries.
