The 9th meeting of Pak-UK Defence Cooperation Forum has underscored the need for closer cooperation in the war on terror, said an official statement. Both sides stressed the need for a coordinated and cooperative approach by the international community to stem the tide of terrorism. The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Kamran Rasool and his UK counterpart Bill Jaffrey. In his opening remarks, Rasool welcomed the UK defence delegation and highlighted the historical perspectives of Pak-UK relations and stressed the need for developing strategic and sustainable relationship on a long-term basis for the mutual benefit of the two sides. He told the members of UK delegation that Pakistan was committed to combating terrorism in all its manifestations. He said Pakistan was making sincere efforts to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan because a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was not only in the interest of Pakistan but of the whole region. The UK Permanent Under Secretary for Defence, Bill Jaffrey, told the meeting that both the countries needed to develop a wide-ranging strategic relationship. He said Pakistan and the UK had shared interest of security and stability in the region and cooperation between the sides needs to be increased. Jaffrey appreciated the key role being played by the security forces of Pakistan against the war on terror. The Pakistan side also gave a detailed presentation to the UK delegation about the steps taken by Pakistan for the socio-economic uplift of Fata. The delegation was informed that economic and social development in Fata could play a vital role in bringing peace and stability to the crisis-stricken area.
