ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and United Kingdom (UK) agreed to continue their cooperation in the areas of counter-terrorism, organised crime and illegal migration.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz held meetings with British National Security Adviser (NSA) Sir Mark Lyall-Grant and British Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sir Ciaran Devane as part of the review of Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (ESD) between Pakistan and the UK.
Lyall-Grant commended Pakistan’s efforts to curb extremism and offered UK’s continued support in timely and effective implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP). He also assured of UK’s support in capacity building of the security and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) including NACTA.
The NSA lauded Pakistan’s role in seeking peace and stability in Afghanistan. On India, he said that the UK is ready for its meaningful role in strengthening regional security and cooperation.
During the meeting with British Council CEO, both the sides discussed and reviewed the whole spectrum of activities under the existing education and cultural roadmap signed in 2014 with particular focus on British Council’s work in Pakistan. The adviser emphasised on the need for re-invigorating the cultural and educational connections between the two countries. Both sides decided to expand British Council’s activities in Pakistan with opening libraries and cultural centres in Karachi and Lahore along with a digital library available to millions of Pakistanis.
To enhance the cultural engagement, it was also agreed that a new cultural roadmap would be signed between Pakistan and the UK. The new roadmap would focus on collaboration in arts, archaeology, research and develop partnerships to support heritage, museums and the creative industries.
Aziz was on an official visit to the UK to participate in the third ministerial review of the Pakistan-UK Enhanced Strategic Dialogue from April 18 to 20.
The adviser appreciated the UK’s support and assistance in countering the extremist threat. He briefed the NSA on the initiatives taken by Pakistan to improve the security situation including the ongoing military offensive operation ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ and the National Action Plan (NAP). The adviser also highlighted Pakistan’s policy of “peaceful neighbourhood” and briefed his interlocutor on the steps taken by Pakistan to improve relations with its neighbours including India and Afghanistan.
In addition to the above meetings, the adviser also attended a lunch with the British Pakistani Parliamentarians hosted by High Commissioner for Pakistan Syed Ibne Abbas at the British Parliament.
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