Pakistan-UK ties, maritime security top Ishaq Dar’s London visit

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar reached London on Sunday to begin a five-day official visit to Britain, running from August 24 to 28. According to Mettis Link News, his talks will centre on bilateral links between Pakistan and Britain, security in regional waters and wider international matters. He is also expected to hold consultations with other senior members of the British government on shared interests and cooperation.

Talks are planned with British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and Stephen Doughty, the FCDO's minister responsible for Pakistan. Regional maritime security is set to be one of the main subjects when he meets International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez. Separately, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey is due to see him, media reports indicate.

Dar was greeted at London Heathrow Airport by Pakistan's High Commissioner to the UK, Tipu Usman, on arrival. The welcome marks the start of the round of meetings planned for the coming days.