Pakistan, India should look for solution to Kashmir: Boris Johnson

ISLAMABAD: British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson reached Islamabad Thursday morning on an official two-day visit.

The minister was welcomed at the Islamabad airport by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry officials.

Addressing a joint press conference with Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Boris Johnson said that he had visited Pakistan for the first time. “I am excited to be here in Pakistan.”

He said that two percent of UK’s population belongs to Pakistan. “Pakistan is an important country of this region,” he said, adding that he wanted to promote trade relations with the country.

He praised Pakistan’s economy saying that it was developing rapidly.

Speaking about the Kashmir issue he said that both India and Pakistan should exercise patience. “Pakistan and India should find a solution to Kashmir.”

He expressed concern over the situation at the Line of Control.

He said that there was immense potential in both countries and its people would benefit if trade is resumed.

Sartaj Aziz said that Pakistan and the UK have pledged to support trade at a mutual level. He added that Pakistan had informed the British foreign secretary about our concerns.

Earlier today, Boris Johnson arrived at the Foreign Office were he held talks with Sartaj Aziz.

“UK appreciates Pakistan’s extraordinary economic potential and exuberant youth population,” Boris Johnson was quoted as saying by FO spokesman Nafees Zakaria.

Excited 2 b in Pakistan. Wants 2 further consolidate rock solid friendship between our 2 countries - British FS

— M. Nafees Zakaria (@ForeignOfficePk) November 24, 2016

I want 2 concentrate on boosting trade & investment between the 2 countries & build confidence of British investors in Pakistan's market

— M. Nafees Zakaria (@ForeignOfficePk) November 24, 2016

Boris Johnson also added that the UK understood Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and fully understood the situation.

 

The British Foreign Secretary will meet with Pakistan’s political leaders during his visit. He is also expected to meet with Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali was in the UK earlier this month where he met with Boris Johnson. During the meeting the two ministers had reiterated their commitment to work hand in hand for promoting peace in the region and consolidating Pakistan-UK relations and taking them to a higher level.