HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : UK-Pakistan joint statement [September 2008]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 16 September 2008.

The Prime Minister met the newly-elected President Zardari of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 16 September during his private visit to the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister congratulated President Zardari on his election and welcomed this as a significant step in Pakistan’s democratic transition.  They discussed the bilateral relationship, as well as regional and international issues and agreed to strengthen co-operation in various fields, including trade, defence, health and education.  They both underlined the value they placed on the contribution being made by the one million British citizens of Pakistani origin in strengthening friendship between the two countries.

The Prime Minister and President discussed the challenges that Pakistan faces.  The Prime Minister commended President Zardari on his speech at his inauguration and his seven point Roadmap for a Better Future for Pakistan.  The Prime Minister emphasised the UK’s support for the establishment of democracy in Pakistan, including the strengthening of democratic institutions in the country.

The Prime Minister took this opportunity to remember the death of Benazir Bhutto.  His sympathies remained with the Bhutto family and the people of Pakistan.

The Prime Minister and President Zardari agreed that the UK and Pakistan had a shared agenda in tackling violent extremism in both countries.  They noted that there was a particularly acute problem with extremism emanating from the Afghanistan/Pakistan border region.  This had an impact on Pakistan as much as anywhere else, but was also impacting on UK forces in Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister and President Zardari noted that it was the peoples of Pakistan and Afghanistan who suffered most directly from such extremism.  It was for the Governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan to lead the efforts to combat this extremism, with the support of the international community.  In this context, the Prime Minister welcomed the early meeting between Presidents Zardari and Karzai and the prospect of improved practical co-operation between the Governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan on their mutual vulnerability to violent extremism.  The Prime Minister and President agreed that a stable and strong democracy in Pakistan would play an important role in promoting peace in the region.

The Prime Minister and President Zardari welcomed the on-going collaboration between the UK and Pakistani Governments to tackle violent extremism and radicalisation.  They agreed to enhance this cooperation in support of a comprehensive approach by the Government of Pakistan.