New British High Commissioner calls on Ishaq Dar

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ISLAMABAD: Thomas Drew, the newly appointed British High Commissioner to Pakistan, called on the Federal Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar here Monday and discussed ways and means to further enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The minister welcomed the newly appointed High Commissioner and said that he hoped that his current appointment to Pakistan would play an important role in further improving the bilateral relations between the two countries. Drew said that it was his second appointment in Pakistan and he felt very happy and privileged in his new position.

He said that the relationship between Pakistan and UK was highly valuable for both sides and that he believed that Pakistan had a pivotal role to play in the peace, stability and development of the region.

The High Commissioner said that the government of Pakistan has been able to bring about visible improvements in the economic environment in the country as well as the security situation.

These improvements would go a long way in attracting foreign investors to invest in the country, he remarked.

The Finance Minister on the occasion informed the High Commissioner that the government was focusing on economic growth and creation of more job opportunities for the people.

He said that foreign investment could play a key role in the process and the government therefore welcomed foreign investors.

He appreciated DFID, UK’s support for the social sector in the country in the form of grant projects for health, agriculture, disaster management and poverty alleviation.

He hoped that the bilateral cooperation in various fields would further increase during the tenure of High Commissioner Drew,in the mutual interest of both the countries.