Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with the United Kingdom and is keen to further augment bilateral, political and economic ties between the two countries, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Thursday
Talking to Lord Mark Malloch Brown, British Minister of State for Africa, Asia and United Nations, who called on him at the Prime Minister's House, Aziz said that the continuing high-level exchanges between the two countries had contributed to the strengthening of the relations.
Aziz appreciated the continued interest of private investors from the UK who had availed opportunities offered by Pakistan's growing economy and liberal economic policies. He also praised the British government's economic assistance to Pakistan in various sectors including health and education.
The economic empowerment of the people was paramount to address the issue of extremism, Aziz said, adding that the establishment of Reconstruction Opportunities Zones (ROZs) by the U.S. in the border areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan was a positive step. He also pointed out that the establishment of such zones would help increase economic activities in the areas, create new jobs and improve the standard of living of the people.
Talking about the upcoming parliamentary elections that would be due in January next year, Aziz said that the process would be free, fair and transparent and foreign observers would be welcome. All political parties would be free to contest the polls and the future disposition would be decided by the ballot box, Aziz said.
Malloch Brown appreciated Pakistan's role and efforts to effectively tackle extremism and militancy. He extended the assurance that the British government would continue to work for greater market access for Pakistani products.
He also expressed the appreciation for the economic stability achieved by Pakistan during the last few years.
Source: Xinhua
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