By IANS
London : Conservative party leader David Cameron lauded Britain's traditional links with India and Pakistan at a ball held here to celebrate 60 years of independence of the two countries.
The ball was attended Monday night by the high commissioners of the two countries and a host of leading personalities, including former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev and England Test star Monty Panesar, who arrived fresh from England's victory over the West Indies at Old Trafford hours earlier.
Cameron stressed on the strength of the traditional links the three countries had and the high level of shared business. He went on to talk about the importance of a stable society in helping create economic prosperity.
Drawing on his recent stay with a Birmingham-based Muslim family, he emphasised the common values that unite responsible citizens of tolerance, decency and family. However, he also recognised the need for clearer understanding on what integration meant for individuals coming to Britain and to get involved in British life.
Talking about the developments within the Conservative Party since he became a leader, Cameron highlighted the increase in the number of black and minority ethnic candidates selected to fight winnable parliamentary seats.
He illustrated this progress by saying that the door to the Conservative Party had never been locked but now people from minority communities were actually being invited into the room.
He said: "So much unites us, let's make the most of it".