ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has urged the British government to continue using its influence with other allied countries to honour their commitments of economic assistance to Pakistan.
While talking to British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs William Hague on Wednesday, the PM asked the British government to engage European states that were blocking Pakistans request for greater market access for its products to the European Union.
He said that the world community must realise Pakistans economic difficulties and come forward with assistance to help Pakistan win the war against terrorism.
The PM also reaffirmed that Pakistan wanted friendly relations with India. He said the government also wanted to resume the peace process between the two countries through a constructive and result-oriented dialogue that would resolve all outstanding issues.
He termed illiteracy and poverty as the root causes of extremism and terrorism and stated that Pakistan could counter the menace only through a robust economy.
New momentum: Speaking on the occasion, Hague said the new British government wanted to put a new momentum into bilateral relations by focusing on areas of trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Hague assured the PM that Pakistan could count on UKs support for gaining access to the EU markets.
He said the British government fully recognised Pakistans growing economic difficulties in its role as the frontline state in the war against terrorism.
The UK would remain steadfastly by Pakistans side and help it in every possible way to meet its challenges, he said.
Hague informed the PM that his government had announced an assistance package of £50 million for stabilisation and reconstruction of the areas affected by militancy on the Pak-Afghan border.
The UK will keep assisting Pakistan in its endeavours to fight the menace of extremism and terrorism through provision of assistance for eradication of illiteracy and alleviation of poverty, he said.
He said that the British government was actively involved with Pakistan through the Joint Education Task Force and would be contributing £250 million for improving literacy and by providing £320 million to Pakistan as budgetary support for poverty alleviation over the next three years.
Meeting with president: Later, the British diplomat met President Asif Ali Zardari at the Presidents House.
Speaking on the occasion, President Zardari called for a long-term strategic partnership with the United Kingdom. He also expressed the hope that the new British government would continue working for strengthening relations between the two countries. He said that the government and the people of Pakistan appreciated Britains acknowledgment of Pakistans counter-terrorism efforts and its contributions through funding and capacity building. While discussing the regional situation, the president said that Pakistan had legitimate interest in restoration of peace and stability in Afghanistan. The British foreign secretary praised the efforts of Pakistans democratic government to curb militancy and terrorism and paid rich tributes to the sacrifices and the resilience shown by the Pakistani people in fighting extremism.
While talking to British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs William Hague on Wednesday, the PM asked the British government to engage European states that were blocking Pakistans request for greater market access for its products to the European Union.
He said that the world community must realise Pakistans economic difficulties and come forward with assistance to help Pakistan win the war against terrorism.
The PM also reaffirmed that Pakistan wanted friendly relations with India. He said the government also wanted to resume the peace process between the two countries through a constructive and result-oriented dialogue that would resolve all outstanding issues.
He termed illiteracy and poverty as the root causes of extremism and terrorism and stated that Pakistan could counter the menace only through a robust economy.
New momentum: Speaking on the occasion, Hague said the new British government wanted to put a new momentum into bilateral relations by focusing on areas of trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Hague assured the PM that Pakistan could count on UKs support for gaining access to the EU markets.
He said the British government fully recognised Pakistans growing economic difficulties in its role as the frontline state in the war against terrorism.
The UK would remain steadfastly by Pakistans side and help it in every possible way to meet its challenges, he said.
Hague informed the PM that his government had announced an assistance package of £50 million for stabilisation and reconstruction of the areas affected by militancy on the Pak-Afghan border.
The UK will keep assisting Pakistan in its endeavours to fight the menace of extremism and terrorism through provision of assistance for eradication of illiteracy and alleviation of poverty, he said.
He said that the British government was actively involved with Pakistan through the Joint Education Task Force and would be contributing £250 million for improving literacy and by providing £320 million to Pakistan as budgetary support for poverty alleviation over the next three years.
Meeting with president: Later, the British diplomat met President Asif Ali Zardari at the Presidents House.
Speaking on the occasion, President Zardari called for a long-term strategic partnership with the United Kingdom. He also expressed the hope that the new British government would continue working for strengthening relations between the two countries. He said that the government and the people of Pakistan appreciated Britains acknowledgment of Pakistans counter-terrorism efforts and its contributions through funding and capacity building. While discussing the regional situation, the president said that Pakistan had legitimate interest in restoration of peace and stability in Afghanistan. The British foreign secretary praised the efforts of Pakistans democratic government to curb militancy and terrorism and paid rich tributes to the sacrifices and the resilience shown by the Pakistani people in fighting extremism.
