British Prime Minister David Cameron flew into Pakistan for talks yesterday, seeking a “fresh start” in relations with Islamabad, nine months after accusing it of turning a blind eye to terrorism.
In his first trip to the nuclear-armed Muslim country since taking office in May, Cameron hopes to soothe tensions caused by his remarks during a visit to India in July, according to a pre-released extract of his speech.
The British leader touched down at the Pakistan Air Force base of Chaklala in the garrison city of Rawalpindi at about 6:30am ahead of a packed day of talks in Islamabad.
Photo: AFP
“Let’s today make a fresh start in our relationship. It is time for a new step in relations between Britain and Pakistan and between Britons and Pakistanis,” Cameron told an audience of university students. “Let’s make this the start of a new era in the relations between our countries, our governments, our peoples.”
“Let’s clear up the misunderstandings of the past, work through the tensions of the present and look together to the opportunities of the future,” Cameron said.
During a trade visit to the Indian city of Bangalore in July, Cameron said Pakistan could not be allowed to “look both ways,” promoting the export of terror while publicly working for stability in the region.
British officials said the comments were not directed at the Pakistani government, but Islamabad summoned Britain’s representative for clarification.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari visited London the following month and the two leaders said their relations were “unbreakable” and promised to intensify intelligence sharing between the two countries.
Cameron repeated this yesterday, saying: “The unbreakable partnership must not just be between our two governments. It must be between our peoples, too.”
“We want a strong relationship with a secure, prosperous, open and flourishing Pakistan. We want that relationship for the long term. We want to work to strengthen that relationship, now and in the future,” Cameron said.
Cameron was to meet Zardari during his one-day visit and also hold talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, officials said.
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