Storms come and go, says Zardari after talks with Cameron (Roundup)

Aug 6, 2010, 14:23 GMT

London - Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari delivered an emotional affirmation of the enduring friendship between his country and Britain following talks with Prime Minister David Cameron Friday.

'Storms come and storms go, but our friendship will never break, whatever happens,' said the Pakistani leader after a meeting with Cameron at Chequers, the country residence of the British prime minister.

Cameron gave an equally ringing endorsement of Britain's 'unbreakable' ties with Pakistan, which had grown over centuries.

A joint statement said that Cameron had accepted an invitation for an 'early visit' to Pakistan and that Theresa May, the Home Secretary, would visit Islamabad in the autumn.

The warm tone of their public statements followed tension provoked by Cameron's controversial remarks about Pakistan's attitude to terrorism last week.

However, in public at least, the two men seemed determined to show that any differences there might have been had been overcome.

A joint statement stressed that Britain recognized the 'sacrifices' made by Pakistan in the fight against terrorism.

'Above all, what we have been talking about is our strategic partnership and how we can deepen and enhance that partnership to make sure we deal with all the issues where we want to see progress,' said Cameron.

He listed cooperation in the fight against terrorism, trade and education among the key areas of enhanced cooperation.

'Whether it is keeping troops safe in Afghanistan or keeping people safe on the streets of Britain, that is a real priority for my government, and somewhere where, with Pakistan, we are going to work together in this enhanced strategic partnership.'

Zardari said Cameron had promised to support Pakistan's aspirations to gain improved access to markets in the European Union (EU) and the US.

Britain also pledged further help to assist the aid effort with the devastating floods in north-west Pakistan.

Cameron caused considerable irritation with a remark he made during a visit to India last week, when he warned Pakistan 'not to promote the export of terror.'

While Cameron stood by his remarks, Zardari pledged that he would 'educate' the British leader, who took office in May, about the complexities of Pakistan's struggle against terrorism and extremism.

'Both leaders discussed the role being played by the (Pakistan) democratic government in fighting against terrorism,' the statement said.

The prime minister recognized the sacrifices made by Pakistan's military, civil law enforcement agencies and people in fighting violent extremism and militancy and appreciated the efforts of the democratic government,' it went on.

Both leaders appreciated the close co-operation that already existed between their respective police forces and other security agencies and agreed that such cooperation would be intensified.

Meanwhile, Zardari is facing continued criticism in Pakistan, and in Britain, for not cutting short his European tour to deal with the flooding disaster at home.