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LAHORE: British Foreign Secretary David Miliband Thursday called on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif here and discussed matters pertaining to bilateral relations between the two countries, ARY NEWS reported.
Earlier, addressing a joint press conference after meeting with chief minister Punjab and PML-N president Shahbaz Sharif, Miliband said that he saw greater political consensus in Pakistan on countering “a multi-headed insurgency” which poses a grave threat to the country.
“For visitors to Pakistan, who come here every three or four months, what I see is an unprecedented degree of political unity (in the face of a security threat).”
Miliband praised President Asif Ali Zardari and opposition leader Nawaz Sharif for forging a united front against terrorism, saying it took courage, compromise and vision.
He ruled out the impression that he was in Pakistan to build reconciliation between Nawaz Sharif and President Zardari.
Miliband denied and western support to Taliban militants fighting against Pakistan army in northwest of the county, saying that “I think any suggestion of Western support to the Taliban is completely without foundation.”
He said Britain, as “a long-term friend,” was determined to support Pakistan not just as an aid donor but also in terms of trade by working towards opening of European markets to its products.
Shahbaz Sharif said he appreciated the British assistance and added, “I think all the initiatives and our historical bonds with Britain … will further grow in the times to come.”
The UK foreign secretary also called on governor Punjab Salman Taseer in the governor house today and exchanged views over the various issues of bilateral interest.
During his visit to Lahore, the UK secretary of state visited Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort.