PR. No.102/2008

Date: 24/04/2008

CANADIAN FOREIGN MINISTER BERNIER CALLS FOREIGN MINISTER QURESHI

Canada 's Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier telephoned Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi this evening and felicitated him on assumption of his office. Conveying support for the new government, he expressed Canada 's desire to work closely with Pakistan in the areas of mutual interest.

Thanking the Canadian Foreign Minister, Foreign Minister Qureshi underlined that Pakistan wanted to build a broad-based relationship with Canada by deepening bilateral cooperation in all areas of common interest. In particular, he emphasized the importance of expanded trade, economic and investment ties.

Foreign Minister Qureshi affirmed that fighting extremism and terrorism was in Pakistan 's own national interest. In this context, he stressed the importance of a multi-pronged approach combining political, socio-economic development and security measures.

The two Foreign Ministers also exchanged views on Afghanistan . Foreign Minister Qureshi underlined Pakistan 's abiding interest in peace and stability in Afghanistan and our commitment to work with international partners in this regard.

Foreign Minister Qureshi also extended an invitation to Foreign Minister Bernier to visit Pakistan , which he accepted.

Islamabad

24 April 2008