Pakistan's new PM in UK for his first bilateral visit in office

Last week Nawaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan was in the UK for a series of meetings with senior members of the UK government for his first official bilateral visit since taking office. The official statement on the visit stated that:

"The UK and Pakistan have a long history of working closely and effectively together as members of the Commonwealth. The UK’s large diaspora population of Pakistani origin has made a significant contribution to British cultural and economic life. Both countries are committed to broadening their relations across many areas."

According to Number 10, "the visit continued the development of the close relationship between the two countries."

Foreign Secretary William Hague said: "Pakistan and the UK continue to work together to strengthen the security and prosperity of both our countries. We share deep historical links and a vibrant British Pakistani community. In today’s meeting we committed ourselves to building on this relationship over the coming years."

During the visit it was announced that there was an agreement to open a new Deputy High Commission in Lahore. The new Trade and Investment, and Cultural and Education Roadmaps were also released. The former of these included the target of increasing bilateral trade to £3 billion by 2015.