IRIA News

Islamabad and Canberra discuss diverse areas including Economy, Security, Terrorism and Tourism

ISLAMABAD (Pakistan) — Australia and Pakistan agreed on Wednesday to further enhance and strengthen bilateral trade for mutual benefits. The agreement was reached in talks between the delegations of the two countries here at Foreign Office in Islamabad.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who arrived here in Pakistan on a two day visit, led her country’s delegation while Pakistan’s side was led by Advisor to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.

Julie Bishop held talks with her Pakistani counterpart Sartaj Aziz on efforts to enhance bilateral trade, to counter militancy, the future of Afghanistan and the reported rise of the Islamic State group in the region.

Addressing a joint press conference after the talks, Sartaj Aziz said said that Pakistan and Australia enjoyed excellent relations, which were based on mutual respect and shared interests.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said her country attaches great importance to its bilateral relations with Pakistan.

“We have long been friends and want to diversify cooperation in different fields,” she said.

The Foreign Minister said both the countries had common interests in countering transnational crimes including drug and human smuggling.

She announced 24 million Australian dollars development assistance to support Pakistan’s efforts for facilitating regional trade and investment as well as for the rehabilitation of its border areas. This support, she said was part of a package of over $41.3 million in development assistance.

Australia and Pakistan agreed to strengthen bilateral ties in diverse fields

Appreciating the Australian Development Cooperation Programme, Mr.sartaj Aziz said that Pakistan would like to strengthen interaction with Australia in agriculture, livestock and water resource management. Both the countries, he said, also agreed to continue to focus on sports and culture.

Australian foreign minister’s visit provided a good opportunity to review the bilateral relations, he added. The two sides also discussed matters pertaining to the visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Australia which might be possible by the end of this year or in the start of next year.

Terrorism and Security issues discussed

Mr. Sartaj Aziz said that Pakistan and Australia shared common perceptions in combating terrorism.

“We resolve to continue our cooperation on counter-terrorism and transnational crime.”

He said regional and global issues of importance, especially the latest situation in Afghanistan, was also discussed.

Ms. Bishop announced to hold a summit on counter-terrorism in June.

Replying to a question, Ms. Bishop she said that Pakistan and Australia also shared information on the security issue of Afghanistan. There was still a small presence of Australian army of 400 personnel in Afghanistan to train the Afghan Army and capacity building.

She said it was vital for the region that both Pakistan and Afghanistan work together to manage the porous border and effectively fight the menace of terrorism.

Replying to a question regarding ISIS militants, she said it was a serious concern for Australia being a global threat. About 100 Australian nationals, she said were reportedly fighting with Daish militants in Syria.

Recognising the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the war on terror, the Foreign Minister said under a plan her country was sending Australian students to different countries including Pakistan.

Such visits, she said would give a message to the world that Pakistan was a safe place.

Replying to question on Australian-India civil nuclear cooperation, Julie Bishop said Australia was a power house and wanted to export energy to the world. Currently both Australia and India were negotiating the deal, she said adding that her country would extend the facility to India under strict controls.

Australia doesn’t want to take sides on Kashmir: Julie Bishop

Replying to a question on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the Australian Foreign Minister said Pakistan and India must come together and continue negotiations to resolve this issue bilaterally.

She said Australia does not want to take sides on disputes like Kashmir between Pakistan and India, and the two sides should “resolve their disputes bilaterally” through peaceful means.