ISLAMABAD: Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said on Wednesday that both political and armed forces’ leadership was on the same page over all matters including the internal security situation of the country.
“This unanimity is proving as our strength and will help bring us out of our problems,” he remarked this during his meeting with National Security Advisor of the United Kingdom, Sir Kim Darroch in his office here.
He said that violence in any form was undesirable and government was privy to it, adding, “We want to give peace a chance.”
The minister said that Pakistan considered the United Kingdom a close friend and development partner and citizens acted as a living bridge between the two countries.
“Recent visit of British Prime Minister David Cameron is a testimony of our strong relationship. These frequent interactions prove beneficial in coordinating our approaches to various bilateral, regional and international issues,” he added.
Pakistan and United Kingdom are progressing through Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (ESD) which covers the entire spectrum of bilateral relations. Other defence forums like Defence Cooperation Forum and PAK- UK Naval Staff talks also hold great significance in cementing the bilateral ties, said a press release issued here.
Sir Kim Durroch expressed hope at the reactivation of Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and stressed that relations would continue to evolve on principles of mutual trust, shared common interest and understanding each others' perspective.
Khawaja Asif highlighted the role of Pakistan as a stabilising factor in wake of drawdown 2014 and said that Pakistan wanted stable and peaceful Afghanistan which was important for the region and Pakistan in particular.
The minister at this point also highlighted sacrifices rendered by the armed forces and people of Pakistan in terms of men and material and said that the country was trying its best to play a neutral role and normalise relations with all stakeholders and neighbours in the region.
The meeting proved fruitful in better understanding issues of the both countries and helped in formulation and charting a way forward, said the press release.