U.K. PM Congratulates Pakistan On 60th Anniversary

PM congratulates Pakistan on 60th anniversary of independence

The Prime Minister has congratulated Pakistan on the 60th anniversary of its independence from Britain.

In a message to Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Mr Brown conveyed the "best wishes" of the British people and praised the strong relationship between the two countries.

He said:

"Today marks the 60th anniversary of Pakistan becoming a nation in its own right. I congratulate this great country and send my best wishes from the British people.

"I celebrate the strength of the UK-Pakistan relationship. Our history, values and hopes are, and will remain, permanently intertwined."

Foreign Secretary David Miliband sent a message of congratulations to counterpart Khurshid Kasuri. Mr Miliband visited Pakistan in July as part of his first trip outside Europe since his appointment in June.

The Queen, who visited Pakistan ten years ago during the 50th anniversary celebrations, sent a personal message to President General Pervez Musharraf.

Pakistan achieved independence in 1947 with the partition of British India into the Dominion of India and East and West Pakistan. East Pakistan later became the independent state of Bangladesh.

ENDS

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