By NNN-APP,
London : Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has termed Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani’s meetings with his British counterpart Gordon Brown as well as with Foreign Secretary David Miliband as “positive and constructive” and said the interaction would further reinforce the Anglo-Pakistan relations.
Talking to the media after Mr.Miliband held 45-minute meeting with the Pakistani Prime Minister at his hotel Thursday, Mr.Qureshi said: “ We had two very frank and constructive meetings.”
The structure of the strategic dialogue between the UK and Pakistan was discussed and “I am very satisfied at the outcome of the two meetings.”
The British Foreign Secretary on his part said during the two meetings both sides reinforced commitment to a comprehensive economic, political and security co-operation.
“That is something we can take forward under the rudiments of the strategic dialogue. We reinforced the common cause that exists between our two countries and are determined to work together,” he said.
Responding to a question, Mr.Miliband said the whole world is very impressed with the military action taken by Pakistan Army in South Waziristan and the return of two millions IDPs back to Swat and Malakand region is a remarkable achievement.
He said the Pakistan Army has made large sacrifices and this must be appreciated.
Mr. Miliband said the Pakistani Prime Minister briefed the British leadership on the next step his government intends to take in the campaign against militants and extremists.
“It is important that we stick together in our mutual interest and mutual support. The commitment from all countries is to recognize the importance of Pakistan and the sincerity of its leaders. We recognize the challenges that exist and will work productively together,” he said.
Answering another question, the British Foreign Secretary said the core mission of the international forces in Afghanistan is not to stay there for ever but to build up the Afghan security forces so that they can defend their own country.
He said both US and Britain are committed to a political and military strategy in Afghanistan.
He said Pakistan and US are two sovereign countries who work together very closely and their leaders have already stated their desire to work even more closely.