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Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan had long-standing historic ties with the United Kingdom and relations between the two countries needed to be further increased for the mutual benefit of the two sides.
He was talking to British High Commissioner Christian Turner who called on the Minister in Islamabad on Monday.
They discussed matters of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation in various fields.
The Minister also briefed the envoy about the economic agenda and priorities of the government and said that the present government aims to bring about economic and fiscal stability, leading to economic recovery and growth despite faced a worst calamity crisis.
The meeting which lasted over an hour also discussed the recent floods in Pakistan and successful launch of Post Disaster Need Assessment.
The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in the recent flood especially in Rescue and Relief operations in a short span of time and also assured full support is the rehabilitation plan which has been started by the Ministry.
The Minister said that after the successful launch of PDNA, the Ministry has prepared a comprehensive framework comprising short and long term plans which was shared with all the relevant stakeholders.
The Minister also highlighted the significance of the prestigious Chevening Scholarship and stressed the increase of number from 80 to 150 students per year. The British High Commissioner appreciated this proposal and assured his full cooperation in this regard.
Source: Radio Pakistan