FM Dar discusses bilateral ties, regional security with UK ministers

London – Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met separately with UK Ministers of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth, Lord Tariq Ahmad, and Minister of State for Development, Andrew Mitchell, at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office in London on Friday morning.

The meetings discussed a variety of topics, including Pakistan-UK relations, regional and global security, Pakistan’s involvement in the UN and other multilateral forums, and Pakistan’s economic and development vision.

During his meeting with Dar, Lord Ahmad congratulated him on his new role as foreign minister and emphasized his wish to work closely with the new government in the future.

Both parties emphasized the deep friendship and amity that exists between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

They also looked into ways to strengthen connections, such as exploiting the untapped potential of the British Pakistani diaspora to increase trade and investment prospects.

In response to Foreign Minister Dar’s appeal for an early resumption of PIA flights to the UK, the UK side indicated that it was working closely with Pakistan on technical issues to assist the resumption of flights as soon as feasible.

Dar told the UK that all technical obstacles on Pakistan’s end will be quickly resolved, allowing PIA to restart flights to the UK.

Regarding Afghanistan, the UK state minister commended the foreign minister for Pakistan’s ongoing assistance in the relocation of Afghan nationals, while Dar provided an update on the present situation.

Dar also wished His Majesty King Charles III and the Princess of Wales full health and recovery.

Dar enthusiastically asked Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron, Minister Lord Ahmad, and Minister Mitchell to visit Pakistan, which was graciously accepted.