PM sees bright prospects for Pakistan-UK trade ties

United Kingdom’s Home Secretary Amber Rudd called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at PM House here yesterday.Welcoming the Home Secretary to Pakistan, the Prime Minister recalled his productive meeting with Prime Minister Theresa May on the margins of the UN General Assembly session in New York in September 2016.Pakistan-United Kingdom relations are rooted in shared history and strong people-to-people contacts; underpinned by close collaboration in trade and investment, peace and security and development co-operation’, the prime minister.“The depth of institutionalised bilateral co-operation reflects the richness and strength of the Pakistan-UK relations. The presence of a large Pakistani diaspora in the UK helps to strengthen the relationship. We would like to further enhance our existing relations with the UK, especially in the field of trade and investment,” the prime minister emphasised.Sharif further said that Pakistan’s strong market of almost 200mn people, with a growing middle class, offers excellent opportunities for the British businesses and investments.“Pakistan greatly appreciates the work undertaken by the UK Department for International Development (DFID),” added the PM.Commenting on situation in Afghanistan, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan is committed to facilitate and support an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process.“We will continue to support all initiatives for regional peace and stability”, he said.Earlier yesterday, Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said Pakistan and United Kingdom (UK) enjoyed stable relations and visit of Home Secretary Amber Rudd would further strengthen ties in diverse fields.Addressing a joint press conference after holding talks with Amber Rudd, he said nothing serious had affected bilateral ties. However, there were certain irritants and roadblocks and the two sides had resolved to address the issues.“I am extremely satisfied on discussion with British counterpart. There is understanding of each other’s viewpoint,” he said mentioning talks with home secretary.Matters relating to security, counter-terrorism and immigration came up for discussion during the meeting.Chaudhry Nisar hoped that bilateral relations between the UK and Pakistan would be carried forward by two respective ministries and governments.He appreciated the role and proactive leadership of former home secretary and current Prime Minister of UK Theresa May who made many visits to Pakistan and she had many well wishers.The minister said, “We are looking to Prime Minister’s visit to Pakistan in very future.”He said the visit of British home secretary would give a new impetus to bilateral relations between the UK and Pakistan.He said the UK was amongst a few countries where Pakistan’s viewpoint was largely understood and acknowledged.“Pakistan wants legal and diplomatic solution of all hurdles in way of better relations between the two countries,” he said.The minister said Pakistan would welcome every move to further promote bilateral ties between the two nations and strengthen implementation of law on equal grounds.Pakistan and Britain had long history of bilateral relations, he said adding both sides had signed two agreements during the talks.In her brief statement, Home Secretary Amber Rudd said she had very constructive discussions with Chaudhry Nisar, adding, “We want to continue our partnership and increase co-operation with in diverse fields with Pakistan.”She said 2% population of Britain had its roots in Pakistan, adding there were significant opportunities for mutual economic growth as Pakistan was growing.Expressing her commitment to closely working with Pakistan, she said she looked forward to increasing mutual understanding between the two countries.She noted that there was increased security for people of Pakistan and the UK because of efforts made by the government of Pakistan, and interior minister played important role in improving security situation in Pakistan.“Both countries want to ensure that our borders remain secured for people who travel between the two countries. We talked about security of new Islamabad airport.”She extended congratulations on Pakistan Day and 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.Answering a question, she said the issue of Altaf Hussain was being reviewed seriously while requests for justice sent by Pakistan were also being considered.The home secretary said, “British laws have no exemption. I have assured the minister, action would be taken upon their requests of justice without any discrimination.”When asked about further promotion of bilateral ties, both Chaudhry Nisar and Amber Rudd said efforts were being made in this regard.Chaudhry Nisar said more bilateral visits would be arranged specially for further promoting trade relations between the two countries.