Crucial Zardari, Cameron ’showdown’ today

LONDON - Under relentless attack from the media both back home and in Britain for continuing with his foreign trip at a time when floods have killed hundreds of people and displaced thousands others, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari would meet British Prime David Cameron here today.

The meeting has attracted he media’s attention world over especially due to Cameron’s recent anti-Pakistan jibe accusing Islamabad of ‘exporting terror’.

However, it is believed that both the leaders would try to water down the heightened tension during the much awaited meeting later today.

While Zardari is expected to adopt a tough stance during the meeting in order to justify his foreign trip at a time of ‘major catastrophe’ and give Cameron a fitting reply for his recent tirade, a Downing Street spokesman said there would be various issues that are likely to be discussed between the two leaders.

The spokesman said that the talks would cover “full range of shared interests”.

Terrorism in going to be one of the key agendas of the meeting, he said.

“The leaders are expected to discuss the threat, review on-going efforts, and explore what more can be done.The UK already has a significant programme of counter-terrorism assistance in Pakistan with Foreign Office counter-terrorism assistance rising to 9.5 million pounds in 2010-11,” The BBC quoted the spokesman, as saying.

Apart from terrorism, bilateral trade and commerce is also likely to be discussed between the two leaders. (ANI)