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PM meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif

David Cameron welcomed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan to Downing Street today for his first official bilateral visit since taking office.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Following the meeting, a Downing Street spokesperson said:

The visit continued the development of the close relationship between the two countries and Prime Minister Sharif thanked the PM for being the first foreign leader to visit him following his election last year.

There was also a discussion on regional issues, including the positive progress of the ongoing Afghan elections. PM Sharif stressed his determination to eliminate terrorism from Pakistan and never allow his country to be used to launch an attack against Afghanistan or anywhere in the world. They also agreed on the importance of Pakistan continuing to build its relationship with India and discussed recent blasphemy cases in Pakistan, as well as prospects for reforms of these laws.

They noted the significant impact UK development support is having in the country, particularly with health and education initiatives. PM Sharif also outlined the progress his government has made in increasing tax take and the PM offered further UK support and advice towards a target of 15%. PM Sharif also set out plans to improve domestic energy supplies, the PM again offered UK support but stressed the importance of maintaining good relationships with the industry. PM Sharif was enthusiastic in his support for the agreement to open a new Deputy High Commission in Lahore, and thanked the UK for its support on improving market access with Europe.

Read the UK-Pakistan joint communiqué on the bilateral visit.

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Published 30 April 2014