Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar will visit the United Kingdom from August 24 to 28.
The five-day official visit will include meetings with senior British officials and other key figures. Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed the visit on Sunday.
Dar to Meet UK Foreign Secretary
During his visit, Dar will meet British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband.
He will also meet Stephen Doughty, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office minister responsible for Pakistan.
Dar is also expected to hold talks with other senior British government officials. The meetings will cover bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.
Pakistani Crew Held by Somali Pirates
A key issue on Dar’s agenda will be the Pakistani sailors held by Somali pirates.
Dar will meet the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) during his visit.
The meeting will focus on efforts to secure the release of Pakistani crew members aboard the MT Honour 25 oil tanker.
The tanker has 17 crew members, including 10 Pakistani nationals. Pirates hijacked the vessel near Somalia’s Puntland region in April, according to reports.
Meeting With Commonwealth Secretary-General
Dar will also meet Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.
The talks will provide an opportunity to discuss cooperation within the Commonwealth and other issues of shared interest.
Engagement With British Parliamentarians
During the visit, Dar will meet British members of Parliament.
He will also engage with representatives of the Pakistani community living in the United Kingdom.
The meetings are expected to strengthen political and people-to-people links between Pakistan and the UK.
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Dar’s visit comes as Pakistan continues to pursue diplomatic engagement with major international partners on regional and global issues.
