LONDON: Pakistan and the United Kingdom agreed on Thursday to take effective steps to increase bilateral trade to about $4.1 billion by 2015 and to ensure that Pakistanis illegally residing in the UK return home under existing agreements.

This was the outcome of around 70-minute meeting between delegations led by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and British premier David Cameron as part of ‘enhanced strategic dialogue’.

A joint statement issued after the meeting said: “Since its launch in 2011 the dialogue between the UK and Pakistan has become deeper and broader.”

The two prime ministers reviewed the practical cooperation on shared interests which has intensified across the five areas covered by the dialogue -- trade, economic growth and development, cultural cooperation, security and education.

Prime Minister Gilani urged the British government to provide financing for the development of Balochistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The two leaders launched a ‘trade and investment roadmap’ spelling out steps both governments will take to promote investment, support business and achieve the target of increasing bilateral trade to $4.1 billion by 2015.

They urged UK companies to look at the opportunities offered by the Pakistani market and build on the success of the over 100 UK-based companies already doing business in the country.

Prime Minister Gilani praised UK’s consistent support to Pakistan for enhanced market access to the European Union.

He expressed hope that the UK would continue to support Pakistan’s request for GSP+ facility and early finalisation of an ‘autonomous trade preferences’ package.

Prime Minister Cameron promised UK’s continued support in this regard and encouraged Pakistani businesses to look at opportunities his country offered and its role as a gateway to Europe.

The two prime ministers noted that the global economic crisis required both countries to take tough decisions for the sake of future growth and prosperity.

They agreed to a continued close partnership to help lift millions of people out of poverty and build a stable, prosperous and democratic future for Pakistan.

Mr Gilani reiterated his commitment to improving the quality of education in Pakistan and welcomed UK’s support in this regard.

Mr Cameron reaffirmed that the UK was open for genuine migrants coming here for legitimate jobs or for study at genuine institutions.

The prime ministers promised to prevent illegal migration which harmed people in both countries.

They agreed to continue to work closely under existing agreements on returning to Pakistan individuals who had no legal right to remain in the UK.

They reiterated their commitment to working together to combat terrorism and extremism and Mr Cameron recognised the huge sacrifices being made by the people of Pakistan.

They committed to enhancing the already strong cooperation on countering improvised explosive devices which cause needless deaths in Pakistan.

They also held in-depth discussions on regional and international issues of mutual interest, underscored the importance of peace, stability and security in Afghanistan and reaffirmed their support for an Afghan-led and -owned reconciliation process.

They discussed the remaining challenges and agreed to continue working closely on Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Gilani briefed Prime Minister Cameron on the recommendations approved by parliament regarding reengagement with the US and on the Pakistan-India peace process.

According to the joint statement, Prime Minister Cameron pledged his support for a return of international cricket to Pakistan and offered to share UK’s experience in protecting large sporting events.

Prime Minister Gilani said his government was committed to holding free and fair elections in accordance with the Constitution.