Foreign Secretary visits Pakistan
Visit by Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, to Islamabad and Lahore shows depth of relationship between the UK and Pakistan
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond met in Islamabad (on 8 March 2016) with the Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, the Chief of Army Staff, General Raheel Sharif, Prime Minister’s Special Adviser for Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, and Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar. In Lahore, he also met with Mian Shahbaz Sharif, the Chief Minister of Punjab.
In the meetings, the Foreign Secretary discussed bilateral cooperation, particularly around trade and development, regional cooperation and the impact of terrorism on Pakistan, and also the Pakistan Government’s social reform agenda.
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said:
I am pleased to visit Pakistan again to further enhance our bilateral relationship and to demonstrate the UK’s continuing commitment to the country and its people. Pakistan matters greatly to the UK. Around 1.5 million people of Pakistani descent live in the UK. We have a shared history and cultural ties, and our futures are interlinked.
On International Women’s Day I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet double-Oscar winning director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy whose films have highlighted the appalling issue of so called “honour-based” violence against women. I am impressed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s commitment to tackle honour killing and the Punjab Assembly’s recent legislation to protect women.
Britain and Pakistan will remain firm partners in the battle for peace and security in the region. We will continue to work together to tackle terrorism and extremism and to improve living standards and life chances for all.
Further information
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