Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister Alistair Burt arrives in Pakistan
Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister, Alistair Burt, arrived in Pakistan on Monday 16 May on his first visit to Pakistan since taking up his position.
He was joined on his trip by Simon Fraser, the Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Today, Mr Burt met Prime Minister Gilani, President Zardari, and Interior Minister, Rehman Malik. He held wide ranging discussions on the UK-Pakistan bilateral relationship. Mr Burt also met the PM’s advisor on Minorities Affairs Dr Paul Bhatti, and members of the Inter-Faith Council.
Mr Burt said: “I am delighted to be visiting Pakistan for the first time, since I took over responsibility as Minister for South Asia at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. My visit is an opportunity to build on the Prime Minister’s recent visit, and to reinforce the United Kingdom’s strong commitment to Pakistan. This is an important time for the people of Pakistan, who have suffered so much at the hands of terrorists. I have been encouraged through all my meetings at the positive action being taken by the Pakistanis to work towards building a more stable and secure future. We are committed to continue to work together to build that future.”