ISLAMABAD, Jan 24: Canada on Thursday said it attached great importance to the ongoing cooperation with Pakistan and would like to continue working with both Pakistan and Afghanistan for strengthening security along the border between the two countries.

“Canada desires a closer relationship with Pakistan,” Deputy Foreign Minister of Canada Leonard J. Edwards said during meeting with Foreign Minister Inamul Haque.

The visit comes days after an independent panel on Canada’s Future Role in Afghanistan asked the Canadian government to make ‘forceful representation’ with Pakistan, about the need to cultivate security and stability in Afghanistan.

The report which had recommended that Canada should retain its troops in Afghanistan for an indefinite period identified ‘regional instability’ as a major factor in the achievement of the objectives.

Mr Inamul Haque emphasised Pakistan’s vital stake in a stable and peaceful Afghanistan and said Pakistan would continue to work with international partners to promote the process of stabilisation in Afghanistan.

Mr Haque underscored Pakistan’s commitment to building a broad-based and long-term relationship with Canada marked by growing cooperation in political, economic, military and cultural fields as well as expanded business and people-to-people contacts.