British
Foreign Secretary William Hague said on Tuesday that Pakistan had a
major role to play for peace in Afghanistan and that his country
recognised the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the fight against
extremism and terror. Speaking at a news briefing at the FCO following
his joint last week’s visit to Afghanistan and Pakistan with the UAE
Foreign Minister, Hague said he was encouraged by his discussion with
the Pakistani leadership on a range of issues common to both the
countries.Hague said in his discussion, the Pakistani leaders called
for promoting reconciliation process in Afghanistan. He added that the
UK has always welcomed dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan as
friendly relations between the two neighbours would yield positive
impact on the regional peace and environment.
Responding to a question, he said discussion with the Taliban were in
the preliminary stages and acknowledged the role of UAE in this regard.
In fact, Hague mentioned that Pakistan was actively participating in Trilateral Core Group meetings comprising Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United States.
He pointed out that the UK and Pakistan enjoy very friendly and cordial relations and have deep ties on issues relating to trade, commerce, education, cultural and defence.
Hague said the UK had appreciated the elimination of Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden but maintained that fight to eradicate terrorism was by no means over and both his country and Pakistan together with the international community were determined to remove this scourge for ever.
The British Foreign Secretary also mentioned Britain’s development assistance to Pakistan and GBP 650 million funds that are to be spent in the next three years to help as many as four million children in age group of five to nine years enrol in primary schools and distribution of six million text books.
He also spoke on the enhanced strategic dialogue launched earlier this year between the two countries which he added would lead to further deepening of relations between the two countries.
Answering another question, the British Foreign Secretary said that British military trainers have been withdrawn from Pakistan on security grounds. Their withdrawal, he said, would not affect the ties between the two countries which remained solid and cordial.
On the question of drone attacks, he said this issue needed to be resolved between Pakistan and the United States. APP
