Civilian nuclear cooperation between Pakistan and Britain: British delegation to come to Islamabad for talks

Pakistan and Britain will hold talks this week on cooperation in nuclear power and improved military and political ties, a foreign ministry spokeswoman said Wednesday. Tasnim Aslam said a high-level British delegation will begin two days of "strategic" talks in Islamabad on Friday.

The announcement comes a day after British Defense Secretary John Reid praised Pakistan for its efforts in fighting terrorism and drug trafficking following talks with Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, the AP reports.

Aslam said Pakistan and Britain agreed to initiate a strategic dialogue last year when Musharraf traveled to London and met with Prime Minister Tony Blair. Pakistan is a key ally of the U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan. AM