May 27, 2008	Tuesday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 21, 1429

ISLAMABAD, May 26: British Defence Secretary Des Browne has said that Pakistan and Afghanistan need to make determined joint efforts to tackle the problem of violent extremism in areas along their borders.

Mr Browne arrived in Islamabad on Monday for talks on regional security after a three-day visit to Afghanistan where he met Nato officials and Afghan leaders, including President Hamid Karzai.

According to a press statement issued by the British High Commission, Mr Browne called on Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Maj-Gen Tariq Majid, Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Muktar, Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

“Pakistan and Afghanistan share common problems. I am satisfied with the commitment of both countries to work together with the international community’s support towards tackling violent extremism,” the defence secretary said.

He said that Taliban were on the run in Afghanistan and their influence there was weakening. Fighting extremism would require a genuine and committed regional approach by both countries, he said.

In his meeting with Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar, Mr Browne called for closer cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan for countering terrorism and bringing peace and stability in the region.

Mr Mukhtar said that a strong and stable Afghanistan was also in the interest of Pakistan.

Mr Browne was informed about the political and security situation in tribal areas.

“The UK is committed to doubling our development spending in Pakistan to almost $1 billion over the next three years,” he said.