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PR. No. 190/2009

Date: 19/05/2009   

FOREIGN MINISTER QURESHI RECEIVES CANADIAN DEFENCE MINISTER

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi received the Canadian Defence Minister, Mr. Peter MacKay, today. They discussed bilateral relations between Pakistan and Canada and the regional situation, focusing particularly on issues of counterterrorism, security and development.

The Foreign Minister appreciated Canada for its support to Pakistan at the Friends of Democratic Pakistan Forum and showing understanding of the challenges facing Pakistan and the region, as a whole. He also welcomed the resumption of military training programme between Pakistan and Canada and thanked Canada for its assistance for the relief of those displaced as a result of the ongoing operations in Swat and Malakand Division.

Foreign Minister Qureshi also briefed the Defence Minister about the efforts being made by Pakistan to deal with the issues of militancy and extremism through a comprehensive strategy. In this regard, he mentioned that there was now a national consensus that those elements who challenged the writ of the Government should not be appeased and that they should be dealt with by force.

The Canadian Defence Minister termed Pakistan-Canada relations as excellent. He assured the Foreign Minister that Canada was ready to assist Pakistan in pursuing its comprehensive counterterrorism strategy as a “true friend” of Pakistan . He said the international community was standing shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan and that Canada would continue playing its active role to promote peace and prosperity in the region.

Islamabad

19 May 2009