ISLAMABAD: Prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf Tuesday said that world leaders, who met him on the sidelines of Asia-Europe Meeting Summit in Laos on Monday, praised the government of Pakistan for successfully completing its tenure, the first in its history.

The prime minister said this while speaking to Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, UK Senior Minister of State at FCO, who called on him at the head of a delegation at the Prime Minister House.

He reiterated his government's commitment of holding free and fair elections in the country.

The appointment of a credible Chief Election Commissioner by consensus bodes well for the future of democracy in the country, he said.

Congratulating the prime minister on the assumption of his office, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi assured him of cooperation and support of the UK government.

Baroness Warsi informed the prime minister that during her current visit to Pakistan, she has met political leaders belonging to both the government and the opposition to exchange views on the next general elections.

She said that she was happy to know that even the opposition political leaders were satisfied on the completion of the stipulated tenure of the government.

Baroness Warsi also informed the prime minister about her meeting with the foreign minister with whom she discussed a range of issues, including Afghanistan.

Baroness Warsi said that the UK government values its relations with Pakistan, with which it has historically good ties.

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf appreciated the role played by the UK in the European Union for the provision of trade concessions to Pakistan.