Sada-e-Watan Sydney ™
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Shah Mahmood Qureshi
Hon Stephen Smith
Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith Calls Pakistan’s FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi
The Australian
Foreign Minister Mr. Stephen Smith yesterday called Foreign Minister of Pakistan
Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and discussed the issues related to the provision
of relief and rehabilitation assistance to the displaced persons. The Australian
Foreign Minister said that while his country has already committed $ 10 million,
they were mindful of the enormity of the challenge at hand and were considering
to provide additional help. The two Foreign Ministers also discussed the ongoing
operations in Swat and Malakand Division and commended Pakistan armed forces for
their valour and resolve in uprooting militancy and violent extremism.
On bilateral relations, the Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith expressed
satisfaction at the successful completion of the Third Round of Defence and
Security Dialogue held in Canberra on 19-21 May 2009. They agreed that
opportunities for expanding Pakistan-Australia relations abound and reiterated
their mutual commitment in this regard. The Australian Foreign Minister said
that the appointment of Australia’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and
Pakistan, who is visiting Islamabad on 23-25 May should complement this process.
Referring to his very “successful” visit to Pakistan on 16-18 Feb 2009, the
Australian Foreign Minister renewed his invitation to Foreign Minister Qureshi
to pay an official visit to Australia and to accompany him to his constituency.
Foreign Minister of Pakistan Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi agreed to visit
Australia on mutually convenient dates this year.
