LONDON: The United Kingdom on Friday appreciated Pakistan’s “crucial role” in countering extremism and terrorism for the regional and world peace and said it would continue to extend it all support to achieve results.

Secretary for Defence Philip Hammond who met Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at his hotel supported Pakistan’s desire for a strong, stable and peaceful Afghanistan. He said Taliban need to renounce terrorism and be part of the peace process so that the Afghan reconciliation process moves forward.

Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan was committed to the reconciliation process in Afghanistan and believed in Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process.He also mentioned the successful Swat operation and said good results were achieved because the people of Pakistan stood along their government and the military.

He said military operation was no solution to any problem and political process was a must for any success.