Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday held delegation-level talks with British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, with the two officials agreeing to establish a structured mechanism for formal talks between their foreign ministries to cover all areas of cooperation and further strengthen bilateral ties and regularly review progress in key areas.
In a statement, the Foreign Office said both sides had reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan-United Kingdom bilateral relations. They underscored the importance of sustained high-level engagement and closer coordination on matters of mutual interest, it added.
Both ministers also exchanged views on key regional and international developments, including the evolving situation in the Middle East. Dar shared Pakistan’s diplomatic and mediation efforts in the region and the progress achieved through these engagements. Miliband appreciated Islamabad’s constructive role and facilitation efforts in promoting dialogue, diplomacy and stability in the Middle East.
Their discussions also focused on developments concerning the Indus Waters Treaty and the security situation in the region. The deputy prime minister highlighted India’s persistent violations of its international obligations and stressed the importance of upholding international law and treaty commitments.
Dar also expressed serious concern about the terrorist threats emanating from Afghan soil, and the threat posed by terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan to Pakistan’s peace and security.
The two officials recognized the important role of the Pakistani diaspora in further strengthening the longstanding ties and people-to-people links between Pakistan and the U.K.
Counterterrorism
Also on Wednesday, Dar met British National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, with the two agreeing to further strengthen Pakistan-U.K. cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence-sharing and other areas of mutual security interest.
According to the Foreign Office, the deputy prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s important role in promoting regional peace and security. He also underscored its sustained diplomatic engagement in support of dialogue, de-escalation and negotiated outcomes. “The two sides exchanged views on key regional and international security developments, including the situations in South Asia, the Middle East and Afghanistan,” the statement added.
Dar also met U.K. Minister of State Stephen Doughty to discuss Pakistan-U.K. bilateral relations and cooperation in key areas of mutual interest. The Foreign Office said the foreign minister had welcomed the positive momentum in bilateral ties and stressed the importance of sustained engagement to further strengthen political, economic and institutional linkages between the two countries.
The two sides discussed ways to enhance trade and investment, expand cooperation in emerging sectors, strengthen climate cooperation and promote cultural exchanges.
Dar highlighted the important contribution of the Pakistani diaspora in the U.K., describing it as a vital bridge between the two countries. Doughty appreciated Pakistan’s important role in promoting regional peace and stability and reaffirmed the U.K.’s interest in maintaining close engagement with Pakistan on bilateral and regional issues.