UK Wants Long-Term Partnership With Pakistan: Hague

Pakistan News: British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs William Hague, who reached Pakistan on a three-day official visit, lauded the role of Pakistani forces in war against terrorists and paid tribute to resilience of the citizens in this regard.

In a combine press conference with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Hague said that Britain wants long-term ties with Pakistan in all fields including business, culture and education. Both the foreign ministers were agreed to establish long-lasting strategic relations. He said that Britain respects Pakistan as an independent country and it will not interfere in Pakistan's affairs. He said that Britain will provide 665 million pounds aid to Pakistan including 250 million pounds for education and 50 million pounds to bring stability in Afghanistan.

Referring Pakistan's role in war on terror, he said that Pakistan is a frontline country and is very important to establish peace in Afghanistan.

Answering a query about LSE report, Hague said that Pakistan has had enormous sacrifices in battling extremism and violence and 'we understand that very well.'

Replying another question about Gen McChrystal, Hague said, "We remain committed to our position in war on terror and the controversies are US's internal matter."

Hague said that reducing trust deficit in Pak-India is an encouraging sign. He said that India is an important country but Britain wants good relations with Pakistan as well. Hague urged that both Pakistan and India should solve their matters through negotiations.

On this occasion, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that PM Gilani's stance about Pak-Iran gas pipeline is very clear and the government is looking for all available sources to tackle the energy crisis.

Earlier, Hague and Qureshi discussed different matters of mutual concerns including cooperation in energy sector, role of Pakistani community to strengthen ties between UK and Pakistan, visa issue and recently published LSE report.

Hague will meet President Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, Interior Minister Rehman Malik and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif. The British Foreign Secretary will visit Karachi and lay a wreath on the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. It is the first visit to Pakistan of Wiliam after taking charge of Foreign Secretary.

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