ISLAMABAD - Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz and visiting British Minister of State at Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi on Thursday called for the resolution of Kashmir dispute on priority basis to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Addressing a joint Press conference after their meeting at the Foreign Office, the two Ministers categorically emphasised the need for resolution of Kashmir dispute because it is key to peace and stability in the region.
Sayeeda Warsi said Pakistan and Britain have deep-rooted relations and these ties will be further strengthened in all the fields.  She emphasised the need to resolve the Kashmir issue to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Replying to a question, Sartaj Aziz said Kashmir issue between Pakistan and India should be resolved on priority basis.
He said international laws should be implemented regarding drone attacks, as these are counter-productive and violation of international laws.
He said it is a good omen that the previous government in Pakistan has completed its Constitutional term and new democratic government has taken the charge. Sartaj Aziz said cooperation with Britain would be further enhanced in the fields of trade, defence, security, education and health. He said that Pakistanis living in the United Kingdom are important assets, hoping that they would continue to play their role in promoting Pakistan-UK relations.
About his meeting with the visiting UK Minister, he said they have fruitful interaction in their meeting.
The Adviser said that Pakistan has rendered numerous sacrifices in the war against terrorism, adding objective of dialogue with Taliban is to establish peace. He said that talks should be given a chance.
When his attention was drawn towards recent terrorist incidents in Peshawar, he said that despite these incidents the dialogue option should be pursued, because the Taliban are many groups and many of them have said they do want to pursue dialogue. Earlier, the British Minister also called on Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and discussed issues related to bilateral ties.
Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan considers United Kingdom a close friend and a genuine development partner. The Prime Minister lauded the role played by Baroness Warsi for her efforts towards Muslim causes and her initiatives of strengthening the link of Pakistani diaspora in the UK.
Highlighting the importance of Pakistan - UK relations, the Prime Minister said that visit of the British Prime Minister David Cameron as the first head of government after the general elections, is a testimony to the special relationship and there exists a coordinated approach to various bilateral, regional and international issues.
Baroness Warsi apprised the Prime Minister regarding progress made on Pakistan-UK Enhanced Strategic Dialogue, Trade Investment Roadmap and support provided by UK Department for International Development (DFID) for various projects in Pakistan.