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Summary
British foreign secretary David Miliband said that the United Kingdom fully recognizes Pakistan's immense sacrifices in war against terrorism and is playing its big role in strengthening its economy and mitigating its hardships. Addressing a joint press conference with his Pakistani counterpart Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi he said that the UK and the European Union eulogize the harmony in Pakistan's civilian and military leadership besides political parties in the war against terrorism. To a question about the economic assistance for the relief and rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) as a result of military operation against terrorists he said Britain and EU have enhanced their commitment to help Pakistan to overcome the problem. To another question the British foreign secretary said that although more and more help will be proffered to Pakistan it has to mainly depend on its own resources and tap its potential to the optimum level. Miliband, to another question, said that free trade access might be given to Pakistan as it has been seeking but it would be a big challenge for it too. Responding to questions on Kashmir and water dispute he said that India and Pakistan are sovereign countries and they can discuss these issues out. To another question about writing off loans he said that the world is undergoing economic recession. He said the IMF has praised Pakistan's economic performance and has pledged more aid. About purported recovery of US and Indian arms from Taliban he said an arms trade treaty is under consideration so that the weapons are not pilfered to terrorists. To a question Miliband said that the UK firmly believes in democracy and would help Pakistan's civilian government and would not support military rule here. He said Pakistan and UK are big trade partners and his country would upgrade the relations for the benefit of the Pakistani nation. About the drone planes he said Pakistan has already taken up the issue of transfer of drone technology with US. Qureshi, on the occasion, said that he raised the issue with the Indian and NATO leadership and it is hoped that the problem would be sorted out. He said President Zardari and Indian premier Manmohan Singh had one-on-one meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Economic Summit meeting and agreed to resume the composite dialogue suspended following the Mumbai attacks.
