LONDON – The British Foreign Secretary Mr Boris Johnson, commendedPakistan’s economic reforms agenda and counter-terrorism efforts during hismeeting with the Interior Minister, Ahsan Iqbal who is on official visit tothe UK.
Ahsan Iqbal briefed the Foreign Secretary that Pakistan is undergoing aremarkable transformation as a result of improved security situation,impressive economic growth and consolidation of democratic institutions. Hesaid that Pakistan greatly appreciates UK’s role as our important trade andinvestment partner.
The Minister informed the Foreign Secretary in detail about Pakistan’sefforts to eliminate extremism and terrorism from the country, said amessage received here on Wednesday. The British Foreign Secretary alsoacknowledged that Pakistan has great potential for economic growth.
He said that UK is hugely interested in China Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) and would like to benefit from opportunities arising from thisinitiative.
The Foreign Secretary particularly appreciated Pakistan’s counter-terrorismefforts to bring about peace in the region and the world at large. MrJohnson said that UK greatly values its friendship with Pakistan and waslooking forward to further strengthening these ties. The Interior Ministerhad also met with Mrs Caroline Nokes, Minister of State for Immigration.
He specifically raised the problems being faced by Pakistani students andbusiness people in getting British visas. Mrs Caroline assured the Ministerthat she would look into the matter and all possible facilitation would beextended to the Pakistani students and business people.
The two sides agreed that in order to enhance people to people and businessto business linkages, visa bottlenecks would be removed.
The Minister also met with Mr. John Glen, Economic Secretary to theTreasury, today. The two sides held detailed discussion on bilateralcooperation in areas of economy and finance. Earlier, the Minister gave atalk at the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS), in London.
The topic was: Pakistan’s vision for the future. The talk was attended by aselect gathering of think tank notables, academia, policy influentials,political analysts and members of the diplomatic community. In his talk, hedwelt upon Pakistan’s economic turnaround, improvement in security andregional situation. Besides, the Minister addressed a press conference atthe Pakistan High Commission in the evening.
He also gave interviews to London-based international media outlets. Withthis, the two-day visit of the Minister came to an end. He had very usefulinteractions with the British leadership, Pakistani community, think tanks,British Pakistani parliamentarians, and media. – APP