UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on Friday appreciated Pakistan for its support and cooperation in facilitating the relocation of Afghans sponsored by the UK government.

Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani received a telephone call from Secretary Cleverly where the two discussed bilateral cooperation and stressed the importance of high-level engagement and dialogue to further strengthen Pakistan-UK relations, the ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement.

“Foreign Minister underlined the strong legacy of bilateral cooperation between the two countries and expressed his desire to jointly craft a more robust and long-term vision for this important bilateral relationship,” it added.

During the conversation, Jilani reiterated Pakistan’s continued commitment to facilitate the relocation of Afghans destined for the UK.

A day earlier, a chartered flight with 132 Afghan refugees onboard departed the Islamabad International Airport for London’s Stansted Airport.

On the occasion, special security arrangements were made at the airport. Women and children were also among the refugees evacuated to the UK.

Jilani also discussed the situation in Gaza and its impact on regional security and the ensuing humanitarian crises with Secretary Cleverly.