David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, has completed his first official visit to Pakistan since 2021. The visit comes at a pivotal moment, with both Pakistan and India having agreed to a fragile ceasefire following heightened tensions. Lammy’s trip underscores the UK’s commitment to supporting peace and regional stability in South Asia, emphasizing that a sustainable peace between the two nations is essential for growth and prosperity not just for Pakistan and India, but also for the UK.
UK Foreign Secretary Welcomes Ceasefire Between India and Pakistan
During his visit, Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed his support for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, two countries with deep historical and diplomatic ties to the UK. This pause in hostilities is seen as a crucial step toward achieving a lasting peace in the region, which has been plagued by decades of conflict.
Lammy met with key Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to discuss the importance of continued stability and peace in the region. He praised the efforts of both Pakistan and India in reaching this ceasefire agreement, which was welcomed by the British Pakistani and British Indian communities.
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A Message of Peace for British Diasporas
Lammy’s visit also served as a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted connections between the UK and both Pakistan and India. With millions of British nationals having Indian and Pakistani heritage, the Foreign Secretary acknowledged how deeply the conflict had affected the diasporas, highlighting the relief many felt upon hearing the news of the ceasefire.
“The images of conflict between India and Pakistan were distressing for all of us in Britain, especially for the millions of Brits with Indian and Pakistani heritage,” Lammy said. “This ceasefire is a positive step forward, and we are determined to support efforts to ensure it leads to lasting peace.”
UK’s Role in Supporting Regional Security
The UK has long been a key partner to both India and Pakistan in ensuring regional security. Lammy emphasized that the UK would continue to support initiatives aimed at reducing tensions and countering terrorism in South Asia. He also stressed the importance of the ceasefire becoming a durable peace, with continued efforts from both sides.
While in Pakistan, Lammy met with UK consular staff based at the British High Commission in Islamabad. These staff members have been crucial in providing support and guidance to British nationals in Pakistan, especially during the recent period of increased tensions.
Strengthening UK-India Relations
In addition to his visit to Pakistan, Lammy has been actively engaging with Indian officials. He recently spoke with his Indian counterpart and plans to visit New Delhi soon to further strengthen UK-India relations. The UK government views both countries as important partners and seeks to foster cooperation across a wide range of issues, including trade, security, and climate change.
The UK’s Commitment to Peace and Stability
The visit also highlighted the UK’s broader commitment to regional peace, stability, and economic growth. Lammy reiterated that the UK’s diplomatic efforts are aligned with the government’s broader mission to unlock opportunities for growth and prosperity for both British and Pakistani citizens. He also underlined the UK’s role in promoting lasting peace in South Asia, stressing that stability in the region benefits not only the countries directly involved but also the global community.
Conclusion
David Lammy’s visit to Pakistan reinforces the UK’s dedication to promoting peace and stability in South Asia, particularly following the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The Foreign Secretary’s support for the ceasefire, as well as his ongoing diplomatic efforts, reflect the UK’s important role in fostering regional security and strengthening ties with both countries. As Lammy emphasized, the journey toward durable peace is far from over, but the ceasefire marks a significant step in the right direction for all involved parties.
This article is originally published on : gov.uk
