Australia’s National Security Advisor calls on Foreign Minister

(2010-03-02)

Australia’s National Security Advisor, Mr. Duncan Lewis, called on Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, today. He was accompanied by Mr. Michael Pezzullo, Chief Operating Officer, Customs and Border Protection, Mr. James Larsen, Ambassador for People Smuggling Issues, the High Commissioner of Australia, H.E. Mr. Tim George and Deputy High Commissioner Ms. Rebekah Grindlay.

Welcoming the Australian National Security Advisor, the Foreign Minister said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, specially Australia. Pakistan appreciates the initiatives for enhanced engagement and development partnership with Australia.

The Foreign Minister underscored the government’s resolve to fight extremism. He assured the visiting Advisor that Pakistan was fully prepared to work in tandem with Australia to curb the menace of human trafficking.

Mr. Duncan Lewis underlined the sacrifices of the people and the Government of Pakistan to eliminate militancy and extremism. He also stated that Australia would extend assistance to Pakistan to fight terrorism and raise cooperation to curb people-smuggling, under the Bali process. Australia supported democracy and the democratic government’s efforts to meet socio-economic and security challenges.

Islamabad
02 March 2010

050/2010