Pakistan, UK to enhance cooperation to tackle strategic challenges

Pakistan and Britain have decided in principal to enhance bilateral cooperation to tackle strategic challenges facing both countries.

According to The Nation, Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Pakistan Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, met with Sir Mark Lyall-Grant, British National Security Adviser (NSA) and Sir Ciaran Devane, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), British Council, as part of the review of Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (ESD), between Pakistan and the UK, on Monday.

Aziz briefed his British counterpart on security issues being conflicted by his country on its eastern and western borders and also the hurdles in normalising relations with India and Afghanistan.

Both NSAs agreed to continue their cooperation in the areas of counter-terrorism, organized crime and illegal migration.

Aziz appreciated the UK's support and assistance in countering extremist threats.

During his meeting with Sir Devane, the two sides discussed and reviewed the whole spectrum of activities under the existing education and cultural road map signed in 2014, with particular focus on British Council's work in Pakistan.

Aziz, according to The Nation, said there was a need for reinvigorating the cultural and educational connections between the two countries. Both sides decided to expand British Council's activities in Pakistan with opening libraries and cultural centres in Karachi and Lahore along with a digital library available to millions of Pakistanis.

To enhance cultural engagement, it was also agreed that a new cultural road map would be signed between Pakistan and the UK that would focus on collaboration in arts, archaeology, and research and develop partnerships to support heritage, museums and the creative industries.

Aziz also attended a lunch with British Pakistani Parliamentarians hosted by Syed Ibne Abbas, High Commissioner for Pakistan at the British Parliament.

Aziz was on a three-day official visit to the UK to participate in the third Ministerial Review of the Pakistan-UK Enhanced Strategic Dialogue from 18 - 20 April 2016.