Date: 25/07/2008

OPENING REMARKS FOR THE FOREIGN MINISTER'S MEETING WITH YOUNG BRITISH-PAKISTANIS AT BIRMINGHAM , 25 July 2008

Foreign Secretary David Miliband,

Ladies and Gentlemen

Assalaam-O-Alaikum

I deeply appreciate David Miliband's initiative in arranging our interaction today with young British citizens of Pakistani descent. Thank you all for being here.

As you know, at the invitation of Foreign Secretary David Miliband I am on my first official visit to the UK . In my extremely useful meetings with the Foreign Secretary we have reviewed the whole range of our bilateral cooperation and also exchanged ideas on regional and global issues of mutual interest. I am happy to state that both sides are keen on further strengthening our longstanding friendship as well as our cooperation on important issues, such as Afghanistan . Our two countries are at one in tackling the growing phenomenon of terrorism and extremism.

Pakistan , no doubt, enjoys a special relationship with the UK . The UK is now our largest economic and development cooperation partner within the EU and we are committed to take the relations to new heights. Bilateral trade is now nearing the $ 2.5 b mark and British Companies have major investments in Pakistan . The doubling of development assistance to Pakistan by the British Government is deeply appreciated.

One of the important issues of great importance to Pakistan we discussed today was market access for our goods in the EU market. We are expecting that Britain will take the lead in supporting our requests for GSP+ status and the commencement of negotiations on a Pakistan-EU FTA. We also hope that Britain and the EU will play a major role in the development of our FATA region.

Ladies and Gentlemen ,

It is gratifying for us that a large British community of Pakistani descent, which serves as a source of strength for us and reinforces growth in relations between the two countries, is well placed and integrated in British society. You are indeed worthy representatives of Pakistan contributing significantly to enhancing goodwill and support for your country of origin. We are proud of your achievements. Your contribution to Pakistan 's economy through foreign exchange remittances and investments is also highly valued.

Even more important is the contribution that you make through bringing new ideas, perspectives and skills to Pakistan . I would like to see the establishment of a platform on which the youth in Britain and Pakistan could communicate with each other to promote cultural interaction, develop better understanding and exchange entrepreneurial ideas.

Friends,

In the contemporary times Pakistan as well as the world community is facing the daunting challenges of extremism and terrorism. For us the challenge is manifold. However, despite the risks and tremendous costs in terms of loss of innocent lives and economic opportunities we remain resolved and committed to support the international community in the fight against terrorism.

Unfortunately after 9/11, Muslims and Islam have been misunderstood and maligned. Islam is a faith of peace, not a doctrine of hatred. Those who commit terrorist acts in the name of Islam have nothing to do with our religion. In the face of such a grave challenge it is our duty to promote the true image of Islam and spread the message of peace that it preaches.

We also have our obligation to make Pakistan a progressive and moderate Islamic state. We have to be tolerant. Sectarianism, extremism and terrorism must be shunned. We should focus more on modern education, human resource development, science and technology and sustained growth of the economy.

Ladies and Gentlemen ,

Allow me to very briefly outline the challenges we are facing in Pakistan today. The PPP led coalition government, has inherited a host of daunting problems ranging from growing poverty to a deteriorating law and order situation with a bearing on our stability and well-being. The government is working overtime to implement well thought out strategies to come to grips with the situation. Our priority is to minimize the impact of rise in oil and food prices on the common man. We have also introduced a comprehensive constitutional amendment package in Parliament aimed at restoring the original 1973 Constitution, the supremacy of the Parliament and rule of law.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Peace and security in the region is the key to economic prosperity and well being of the people of Pakistan . In this regard we stand committed to improve and further develop relations with our neighbours so that South Asia can reap the dividends of peace and stability.

With India the composite dialogue is on course and we are working to resolve all outstanding issues between us including Kashmir to ensure durable peace in the region. We have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to this dialogue process and it is due to our sustained efforts that this process is moving forward and has contributed towards an appreciable improvement in the atmospherics between the two countries.

We have tried to do our best to win over the confidence of the Afghan Government. We have committed more than $300 million towards Afghanistan 's reconstruction and strongly believe that Afghanistan 's stability promotes the well being of Pakistan . We are doing all to ensure that our territory is not used as a staging ground for attacks into Afghanistan .

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Pakistan is committed to nuclear non-proliferation. We have developed a fool proof command and control structure to protect our strategic assets and have put in place effective export controls.

At the same time, we believe that no restrictions should be imposed on civilian nuclear cooperation under appropriate safeguards. As a fossil fuel deficit country, we need nuclear power generation to meet the growing needs of energy for our growing economy. We call for international cooperation with Pakistan in this regard and are prepared to accept all safeguards on our civilian nuclear power sector.

Let me conclude by saying that Pakistan continues to march on the road of peace, stability and economic progress. In this endeavour we want partners who are willing and sincere.

Thank You