ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday said Pakistan has been paying heaviest price in the war against terrorism and said it was determined to pursuing the struggle till its logical conclusion.
“Our sacrifices exceed any other nation and Pakistan deserves and expects recognition by the international community,” the President said while talking to Douglas Alexander, British Shadow Foreign Secretary at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said the meeting discussed Pakistan-UK enhanced strategic dialogue, war against militants, recent floods, UK assistance and regional situation.
The President termed the Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (ESD) of the two countries as a milestone in bilateral relationship that aims at intensifying mutual interactions in the realm of security, trade, health and other sectors including education.
He said that enhanced and regular interactions as envisaged by the Dialogue would help to maintain momentum in the relationship and in convergence of point of views on important issues concerning the two states.
The President also stressed the need for further enhancing economic cooperation. He said Pakistan was passing through one of the difficult phase when its economy was under great stress due to recent jolt to it by yet another devastating floods.
The President said an economy, already bearing the brunt of war and last year's natural calamity, has once again been hit by rains and floods where around 08 million people have been affected.
The President said that Pakistan looked forward to continued international support in trade and enhanced market access for its products in the European Union. He also appreciated the UK's support at the FoDP platform.
The President reiterated that poverty, lack of opportunities and sense of deprivation were among the main causes that contribute towards militant mindset.
He said in order to find a permanent solution to these problems the international community needs to assist all those who were struggling to overcome these root-causes that breed militant mindset.
The President said a nation who has been worst hit by the scourge of militancy and militant mindset expects recognition of its countless sacrifices, both in human and material terms.
He said Pakistan wishes to have friendly and peaceful relations with all the countries based on equality and mutual respect.
Douglas Alexander expressed sympathies over the devastation caused by the recent floods. He said there was a general appreciation for the sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan in the ongoing war against terror and expressed the hope that the international community would assist Pakistan in the capacity building of its institutions as well as in exploring trade opportunities and better access to the market for its products.
Douglas Alexander was accompanied by Adam Thomson, UK High Commissioner, Tom Price, Senior Advisor and Jasper Thornton.
Pakistan side included Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Federal Minister for Finance, Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar.
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