Posted on 03/02/2004 1:45:27 AM PST by Prodigal Son
ISLAMABAD: British Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Jack Straw, will be visiting Pakistan from March-3/5 to hold bilateral consultations between the United Kingdom and Pakistan.
In addition to a review of bilateral relations, discussions would be held on a wide range of regional as well as global issues including resumption of Pakistan-India dialogue, reconstruction in Afghanistan, counterterrorism and non-proliferation.
Pakistan enjoys friendly relations with Britain rooted in a long historical association, which predates partition. The UK is home to more than 750,000 strong community of Pakistani origin who have made a significant contribution to the constitution of a multi-cultural and friendly Britain.
The UK is the fourth largest trading partner and the largest foreign investor in Pakistan. Last year the bilateral trade amounted to US $ 1.14 billion showing an improvement of 13% over the previous year. With exports of US $ 788 million and Imports US $ 356 million, Pakistan had a trade balance of US $ 432 million in its favour.
Britain also provides financial assistance in the areas of poverty alleviation, sustainable growth and infrastructure development in Pakistan.
As a leading partner in the international coalition on war against terrorism, reconstruction of Afghanistan and establishment of peace and security in South Asia, Britain has been showing keen interest in improving relations with Pakistan.
This is reflected by increased frequency of high-level visits between the two sides, which is also an acknowledgement of restoration of democracy in Pakistan.
While in Islamabad, Jack Straw will call on the President, General Pervez Musharraf and the Prime Minister. He would also visit Peshawar where he would call on the Governor, deliver a lecture on "Engaging Islam" at the Peshawar University and visit a Madrassah.
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