Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, currently on a five-day visit to the United Kingdom, engaged in discussions with key UK officials, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including climate change, youth opportunities, trade, and investment. 

On Thursday, Dar held talks with UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, where they explored avenues for strengthening cooperation in these areas.

According to a statement from the Foreign Office, Dar stressed the significance of a robust partnership between Pakistan and the UK in advancing shared interests on both regional and international fronts.

Reflecting on Rayner’s visit to Pakistan after the devastating floods in 2022, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to collaborating with the UK on climate initiatives and mobilising international support for countries most vulnerable to climate change. 

He also noted the importance of enhancing youth opportunities and strengthening bilateral trade and investment, expressing appreciation for the UK’s duty-free trade benefits for Pakistani exports.

Additionally, Dar met with Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland in London on Thursday to discuss joint priorities ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, set to take place in Apia, Samoa, in October 2024.

This visit marks Dar’s first official trip to the UK since Keir Starmer’s Labour government came to power in July.