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PR. No.350/2006

Date: 30/11/2006

CALL ON THE PRESIDENT BY BRITISH DELEGATION

A seven-member delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the British House of Commons led by its Chairman Honorable Mike Gapes called on the President on 30 November 2006 . The visit of the British Members of Parliament and their interaction at the highest level is testimony to the ever growing ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom .

During the meeting matters related to regional and international security were discussed. The British delegation was interested in our perception on regional stability issues and developments related to Pakistan-India Dialogue. The common desire to further consolidate mutual cooperation and consultations was reflected in the atmospherics that was marked by frank and open discussion.

The President highlighted Pakistan 's efforts and strategy to overcome the challenges posed by terrorism, our approach in the tribal areas, Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, Pakistan-India Dialogue and settlement of the Kashmir dispute. The President also expressed satisfaction at the increasingly cooperative relations between Pakistan and UK . In this context he referred to the British financial support, increase in bilateral trade and enhancement of the British investment portfolio in Pakistan . The President recalled the swift British earthquake relief assistance and expressed gratitude for their continued support for the reconstruction of the earthquake affected areas. Prime Minister Blair's recent visit to Pakistan further reinforced the good relations between Pakistan and UK .

The Chairman of the British Foreign Affairs Committee underscored the close relations between Pakistan and UK stressing that the MPs represented their constituents several of whom were of Pakistani origin. The MPs praised the President for his leadership role in the adoption of Women's Protection Bill in the context of amendment of the Hudood Ordinance. They also evinced interest in the development of education sector in Pakistan and the reforms undertaken by the government that also covered the madrasas.

The delegation of the Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the British Parliament would leave Pakistan on 30 November after completion their two-day visit.

Islamabad

30 November 2006