President Zardari says relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom on trajectory of more strategic depth and expansion

 

High Commissioner urges the international community to contribute to the task of rehabilitation of the dislocated people

 

LONDON: President Asif Ali Zardari has said both Pakistan and the UK are working together in several mutually beneficial areas including tackling of common security challenges. In his message read out by Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK Wajid Shamsul Hasan at the 56th annual dinner of the Pakistan Society held at the Royal Over-Seas League House on 17 June 2009, the President said the bilateral relations between the two countries are on the trajectory of more strategic depth and expansion in a variety of areas.

 

“The dawn of democracy in Pakistan has added further impetus to the process of strengthening of the historic ties between our two countries. The two democracies are working together in several beneficial areas including common security challenges,” the President said.

 

Message from President Asif Ali Zardari    “I feel great pleasure in congratulating the members and supporters of the Pakistan Society at its 56th Annual Dinner. The Pakistan Society, since its inception in 1951, has been playing an important role in cementing ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, particularly through people-to-people exchanges. Every year, this auspicious assemblage, besides being an excellent occasion to celebrate our strong bonds of friendship and partnership, is a befitting tribute to the achievements of this organisation.   Bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom are on the trajectory of more strategic depth and expansion in a variety of areas. The dawn of democracy in Pakistan has added further impetus to the process of strengthening of the historic ties between our two countries. The two democracies are working together in several mutually beneficial areas including tackling of common security challenges.               As you are aware that we are engaged in a law enforcement operation against the extremists and terrorists in Swat and Malakand Division, I wish to express our appreciation to the people and the Government of the United Kingdom for their assistance to mitigate the plight of hundreds and thousands of dislocated persons in these areas. I hope that the Pakistan Society will also play its role in mobilising the members of the British and Pakistani communities in this regard.   Pakistani Diaspora around the world, particularly those living in the United Kingdom, makes us proud as they are not only contributing towards the development of Britain, but are also a bedrock in the solid edifice of our relationship. Whenever we have been confronted with a challenge, members of Pakistani community have come forward with their generous support and assistance.    As people-to-people exchange is one of the priority areas for us, especially in the framework of our bilateral relations with the UK, we will rely more heavily on the work of organisations including the Pakistan Society. I am sure the Society will prove itself equal to the challenge. I wish the Pakistan Society all the success.”

Speaking of the present ongoing law enforcement operation against the extremists and terrorists in Swat and Malakand Division, President Zardari expressed his appreciation to the UK and its people for their assistance to mitigate the plight of hundreds and thousands of dislocated persons in these areas.

 

In his welcome address, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Wajid Shamsul Hasan said Pakistan and Britain are bound together by longstanding ties based on shared history, values and the close relations between the two nations.

 

“This partnership is firmly embedded in the principles of mutual respect and benefit. Guided by these principles, our two countries have laid solid foundations to build a superstructure of robust and broad-based relationship”, Wajid said.

 

“We are proud of the fact that British Pakistanis have been effectively contributing to the progress of the UK. It is heartening to see that their services are acknowledged and appreciated by the UK.”

 

The envoy said the two governments and peoples have common interests and challenges in the joint fight against the menace of extremism and terrorism. Pakistan, he said, has a firm resolve to wipe out militants from its soil as manifested in the ongoing operation in Swat and Malakand against them.

 

He pointed out that President Zardari in his address to the nation earlier this month vowed to continue the operation against the terrorists and to win this war at all cost. “The nation is in high morale and has rejected the propaganda of terrorist elements. This war has the full support and backing of the Parliament, the political parties and the people of Pakistan”, Wajid said.

 

The High Commissioner spoke of the government’s determination to send the dislocated persons to their homes with dignity and honour, adding that Rs. 50 billion have been allocated in the national budget for the relief and rehabilitation of the dislocated people.

 

“While we are stretching our resources to the maximum, the international community must assist us in carrying out the mammoth task of relief and rehabilitation.

 

In his remarks, the Guest of Honour Lord West, British Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Security and Counter-terrorism said that the UK is absolutely committed to building on the links forged between the respective law enforcing agencies to stand shoulder to shoulder with Pakistani friends in meeting the challenges both countries face.

 

Chairman of the Pakistan Society Lt. General (Retd) Anthony Palmer presented the vote of thanks. Toasts in honour of the British Queen and the President of Pakistan were also raised on the occasion.

 

 

18 June 2009

 

Courtesy: APP