By KUNA,
Islamabad : While welcoming the “reforming zeal” of Pakistan’s new government, Britain Wednesday said that it would assist the country in its access to the European market, a request Islamabad has been repeatedly making.
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband arrived here earlier today on his third visit after paying visit to the neighboring war-ravaged Afghanistan to hold talks on matters related to bilateral as well as regional issues.
He held meeting with his Pakistani counterpart, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, and military chief Ashfaq Kayani.
“The reforming zeal and instincts of the government are coming to the fore in Pakistan in a positive way and are gaining the confidence of the international community”, said Miliband while addressing a joint press conference with his Pakistani counterpart after holding a one-on-one meeting.
The two leaders during the meeting discussed bilateral issues, regional security situation, particularly along the Afghan border, and also war on terrorism and Pakistan’s relations with India.
David Miliband hailed the government’s initiative to curb militancy and extremism and said that peace dialogue “that’s being pursued with Afghanistan and India” was also very significant.
His comments came as Pakistani minister was due to travel to India later on Wednesday on a four-day visit to continue talks on the four-year old composite dialogue process.
He said Pakistan has pivotal role in war against terrorism and peace in the region, adding that there should be close cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan for regional peace.
Regarding Afghanistan, he said that Kabul depends on “very close collaboration and cooperation” with Pakistan in economic as well as security issues.
He assuring the government of cooperation in the European Union as well as social and various other sectors said that “Pakistan would be assisted in its access to European market.” “We will do that with a real sense of urgency and commitment,” he added.
The British minister is also scheduled to meet President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and opposition leader Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief Nawaz Sharif.