Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, emphasized the significant role of the British-Pakistani diaspora in enhancing the relationship between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. This acknowledgment came during a meeting with the United Kingdom’s Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Senator Dar expressed his appreciation for the contributions of the British-Pakistani community in fostering strong ties between the two nations. He congratulated Deputy Prime Minister Rayner on her recent appointment and highlighted the mutual benefits of a robust Pakistan-UK partnership, particularly in bilateral and regional contexts.

During the discussions, Ishaq Dar recalled Rayner’s visit to Pakistan following the devastating floods in 2022. He articulated Pakistan’s eagerness to collaborate with the UK on climate action initiatives and the mobilization of international support for countries vulnerable to climate change. The meeting also covered areas of shared interest such as youth opportunities, and enhancing bilateral trade and investment. Furthermore, Dar appreciated the UK’s ongoing provision of duty-free access for Pakistani exports, which supports economic ties.

In response, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner acknowledged the valuable role of the British Pakistani community in drawing the two countries closer. She also extended congratulations to Deputy Prime Minister Dar on Pakistan’s recent election to the UN Security Council, marking another significant achievement in Pakistan’s international engagements.

The meeting between the two deputy prime ministers underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen ties through diaspora engagement and shared strategic interests, highlighting the importance of international cooperation on various fronts including trade, investment, and climate change.