Pakistan is our dependable ally, Theresa May tells Sharif

ISLAMABAD: British Prime Minister Mrs Theresa May telephoned her Pakistani counterpart on Tuesday and assured Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that both countries would continue to work together in the post-Brexit era.

According to a press release, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif extended his warmest congratulations to the British Prime Minister on her historic appointment as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

PM Sharif said that May’s appointment reflects "the faith and the confidence that the people of the UK have reposed in your ability to steer the country at this historic time".

He expressed his confidence that Britain would "become ever stronger and continue playing important role in world affairs".

"The government and the people of Pakistan greatly value your long association with Pakistan. The United Kingdom is our traditional ally, a close friend and a trusted partner," PM Sharif said.

PM Sharif assured his British counterpart of his support in working closely with her in achieving close bilateral relations in all fields.

Thanking the Pakistani premier, Mrs May said: "Pakistan is our dependable ally".

Mrs May assured Sharif that both countries would work together in the post-Brexit era and that there would be no adverse effects on the bilateral relations after Great Britain exits the European Union.

"Pakistan and the United Kingdom will work together as bilateral partners. Great Britain is committed to working with Pakistan in security related matters and strengthening democracy.

"The United Kingdom strongly supports the democratic system of Pakistan; development of Pakistan and development of democracy are interlinked,” she said.

Mrs May said she was eagerly awaiting her upcoming visit to Pakistan in the coming months in her capacity as British prime minister. This visit was previously scheduled when she was serving as British Home Secretary, she said.