UN chief assures support to Pakistan against terrorism

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Wednesday said the United Nations will continue to support Pakistan in the war against terrorism.

At a press conference along with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Ban acknowledged Pakistan's sacrifices in the war against terrorism, Xinhua reported.

The UN secretary general said the world body will continue to extend full support to Pakistan in fighting terrorism.

He said Pakistan was an important partner and promoter of peace and was the largest contributor to the UN peace keeping missions.

Describing the recently-held general elections in Pakistan as a milestone in the country's history, Ban said it was high time for both Pakistan and the UN to further deepen their relations in different spheres.

He expressed sympathy with the victims of the current floods and said Pakistan was among the countries most vulnerable to climate change and natural calamities.

"The United Nations will work with Pakistan to better prepare it face natural disasters," Ban said.

Welcoming Pakistan's progress in achieving millennium development goals, he said it was important that the Pakistani government further accelerate their efforts to promote education.

He said Pakistan and the UN have agreed to further strengthen partnership in addressing regional and global issues.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan was working for peace and stability in the region.

Sharif said it was his earnest desire to ease tension with India by starting dialogue and address all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.

"Pakistan will continue to exercise restraint and act with responsibility. India will also reciprocate to reduce the prevailing tension. We want to de-escalate tension through diplomacy," Sharif said.