British Foreign Secretary David Miliband called on President Asif Ali Zardari Sunday. They reviewed bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction that the relationship between the two countries have been strengthened ever since the democratic government assumed office in Pakistan. Zardari is currently on a private visit to the United Kingdom. The close cooperation has been manifested in the increased number of high level visits, and enhancement of UKs development assistance from 240 million pound sterling in 2007 to 665 million pound sterling, which is an acknowledgment of Pakistans contribution to the international war on terror, and the need to offset the negative impact in socio-economic sectors. Appreciating Pakistani forces successful military operations against the militants and the extremists, Miliband paid tribute to those Pakistanis who laid down their lives in this noble cause. President Zardari and the UK Foreign Secretary noted that the progress in relations has been further marked with the establishment of Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP), pioneered by the Great Britains agreement to establish a summit level strategic dialogue during Presidents visit in May 2009, and formation of a high level Education Task Force by the UK to assist Pakistan in reforming its education sector. The issues of visas, particularly of the Pakistani students and immigration matters, also came under discussion. They assessed the regional situation including Pakistan India dialogue and Afghanistan . Miliband stressed the need for India and Pakistan to engage with each other and supported resumption of composite dialogue between the two countries. Acknowledging the pivotal role of Pakistan , he conveyed his countrys deep appreciation for Pakistans support to the efforts towards peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan. The President also made a strong case for Pakistans requirement of Market Access for its products in the EU and sought the UKs support to that end. The President also emphasized early mitigation of visa problems faced by Pakistani students. Foreign Secretary Miliband assured the President that there was no discrimination against Pakistani students and delays in visas would be streamlined. The UK is Pakistans lead EU partner in terms of trade, investment and development assistance. On February 16, the DFID in collaboration with Punjab Government launched a 50 million pounds sterling project in the Pakistan s dairy sector. They also noted that the Pakistani Diaspora in the UK was a source of great strength to the bilateral relations and reinforced the two governments efforts towards solidifying relations. Miliband also participated in a procession of Eid Milad-un-Nabi in East London. Hundreds of people took part in the procession.
