London, Aug 6 (IANS) In their efforts to minimise ongoing tensions between Britain and Pakistan, Prime Minister David Cameron and visiting President Asif Ali Zardari Friday insisted that the two countries have an ‘unbreakable’ relationship.
During a meeting at British premier’s country retreat, the two leaders attempted to smooth over the row sparked by the Cameron’s recent remarks that Pakistan is ‘exporting terror’, the Daily Telegraph reported.
Cameron and Zardari also discussed ways to step up cooperation in the fight against terrorism and the situation in Afghanistan.
Cameron said: ‘The president and I have been talking about what we see as an unbreakable relationship between Britain and Pakistan based on our mutual interests….
‘Above all what we’ve been talking about is our strategic partnership and how we can deepen and enhance that partnership to make sure we deal with all the issues where we want to see progress – whether that is in trade, whether it is in education and also in the absolutely vital area of combating terrorism, where we want to work together to combat terrorism.’
‘Whether it is keeping troops safe in Afghanistan or keeping people safe on the streets of Britain, that is a real priority for my Government, and somewhere where, with Pakistan, we are going to work together in this enhanced strategic partnership,’ Cameron said.
‘This is a friendship that will never break, no matter what happens,’ Zardari said.
A joint statement revealed that the prime minister has accepted an invitation to make an ‘early visit’ to Pakistan.
‘Both leaders discussed the role being played by the (Pakistan) democratic government in fighting against terrorism,’ the statement said.
‘The Prime Minister recognised the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s military, civil law enforcement agencies and people in fighting violent extremism and militancy,’ it said.
Asked to confirm that the leaders had addressed Cameron’s remarks in India, an official merely replied that there had been a ‘detailed and very constructive, fruitful discussion on counter-terrorism issues’.
