PM Sharif hails positive momentum in Pakistan-UK ties

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

He said the recently held trade talks between the two countries would lead to mutually beneficial opportunities for both sides.

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott called on the prime minister at the Prime Minister’s House, the PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

The prime minister noted that Pakistan was also cooperating closely with the UK at the UN Security Council, where it currently holds the monthly presidency.

He welcomed the UK government’s recent decision to resume PIA flights to and from the UK, saying it would help alleviate hardships faced by the British Pakistani community and enhance people-to-people exchanges. He particularly appreciated the role of the high commissioner in this regard.

The regional situation in South Asia and the Middle East was also discussed.

The prime minister appreciated the UK’s role in de-escalating tensions during the Pakistan-India stand-off and reiterated that Pakistan was ready for a meaningful dialogue with India on all outstanding issues.

During the meeting, the prime minister conveyed his warm wishes for King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and said he looked forward to his meeting with the UK leadership later this year.

The UK high commissioner thanked the prime minister for receiving her and briefed him on her recent visit to London, where she held extensive consultations on enhancing Pakistan-UK bilateral ties.

She lauded the government’s economic performance over the past year and a half under the prime minister’s leadership, which she said had led to significant improvement in key macro-economic indicators.

She also shared the UK’s perspective on regional developments in South Asia and the Middle East.