By NNN-Xinhua,
Islamabad : It will require determined efforts on both sides of the Afghanistan and Pakistan border to tackle the challenges to global security presented by violent extremism, the visiting British Defense Secretary Des Browne said here..
Browne made the remarks while holding a series of talks on Monday with Pakistan Defense Minister Chaudry Ahmad Muktar, the Chief of the Army Staff General Kayani, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff Committee Major General Tariq Majid.
“Pakistan and Afghanistan share common problems and I am encouraged by the commitment of both countries to work together, with the international community’s support, towards tackling them,” Browne said.
Browne discussed a range of bilateral issues and received an update on the political and security situation in the tribal areas, the News Network International news agency reported.
“The UK is committed to doubling our development spending in Pakistan to almost 1 billion U.S. dollars over the next three years and are prioritizing good governance, growth and the delivery of basic services,” said Browne.
“The people of Afghanistan are starting to seize this opportunity. But the long-term solution to Afghanistan’s problems and the threats posed to global security by violent extremism cannot be dealt with within Afghanistan’s borders alone. These challenges will require a genuine and committed regional approach,” he said.
The Pakistani side conveyed to UK Defense delegation that Pakistan was endeavoring to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan because a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was not only in the interest of Pakistan but the whole region as well.
Browne arrived here for talks on the regional security challenges following a three-day visit to Afghanistan where he met with NATO and international partners and members of the Afghan government including Afghan President Hamid Karzai, a British High Commission statement said.