PR. No.077/2008

Date: 02/04/2008

BRITISH FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS FOREIGN MINISTER QURESHI

The British Foreign Minister David Miliband telephoned Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi to congratulate him on assumption of office as Foreign Minister of Pakistan. He expressed the hope that Pakistan , as an important regional player, would continue to play its leading role in the region. The British Foreign Minister said that as democracy was restored in Pakistan after credible elections, Britain will work towards calling an early meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) to end Pakistan 's suspension from the Councils of Commonwealth. The British Foreign Minister said that he was planning to visit Pakistan by the end of April. He also invited the Foreign Minister of Pakistan to visit London .

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Pakistan-UK relations are cordial and multifaceted. The British investment, economic assistance and bilateral trade are important for Pakistan . The two countries were also partners in war against terrorism. Bilateral relationship is further strengthened by almost one million strong community of British citizens and residents of Pakistani origin. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that he was looking forward to the visit of the British Foreign Minister to Pakistan .

Islamabad

02 April 2008