PR. No.085/2008

Date: 07/04/2008

BRITISH HOME SECRETARY CALLS ON THE FOREIGN MINISTER

British Home Secretary Rt Hon Jacqui Smith, who is on a goodwill visit to Pakistan , called on Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi today. Earlier, she had paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister.

The two Ministers discussed the ongoing bilateral cooperation in diverse fields including political, economic, and security matters. The British Home Secretary stated that the purpose of her visit was to establish contact with the new government in Pakistan and reaffirm Britain 's continued support towards Pakistan 's socio-economic development and the fight against terrorism. She conveyed her government's appreciation on Pakistan 's role in the counter-terrorism efforts of the international community.

The Foreign Minister welcomed the Home Secretary on her first visit to Pakistan . He said score of Paksitani citizens, including soldiers, have lost their lives as victims of terrorism. Shaheed Mohatarma Benazir Bhutto became herself a victim of terrorism. The Government of Pakistan is thus determined to take all possible measures to counter terrorism and defeat extremist idealogies. The Foreign Minister thanked the Government of Britain for their continued economic support and sought their assistance in the uplift of socio-economic conditions in tribal areas to prevent the youth from falling prey to the radicals' enticements.

Islamabad

07 April 2008