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Australian FM shows concern over Islamic State emergence

Xinhua, May 6, 2015 Adjust font size:

Visiting Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop Wednesday expressed concerns over the rise of the Islamic State of Dai'sh, saying the "terror outfit is more dangerous and brutal."

"My country is working with the international community to fight such terror outfits," the Australian foreign minister said at a joint press conference in Islamabad after holding talks with Pakistan's top security adviser Sartaj Aziz.

Bishop arrived in Pakistan Wednesday on a two-day visit for talks on bilateral and regional issues. She will also meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Army Chief, Gen. Raheel Sharif.

Both sides held official talks and agreed to further strengthen their relations in diverse fields including trade and economy.

The Australian foreign minister said her country is also hosting a summit in June on countering extremism.

She announced an assistance package of 24 million Australian dollars (19.22 million U.S. dollars) for Pakistan. A total of 19.9 million AUS, which is part of this package, will be given to Pakistan's efforts for facilitating regional trade and investment as well as for the rehabilitation of country's border areas.

She said it is vital for the region that both Pakistan and Afghanistan work together to manage the porous border and effectively fight the menace of terrorism.

The Australian foreign minister also recognized the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the war on terror.

When asked about Australian-India civil nuclear cooperation, the Australian foreign minister said that her country is a power house and want to export energy to the world. She said currently both Australia and India are negotiating the deal. She however said her country will extend the facility to India under strict controls.

On the issue of Kashmir dispute, Bishop admitted the issue needs to be resolved, adding her country will encourage both Pakistan and India to resolve the dispute through negotiations.

Aziz said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will visit Australia this year or early next year.

He said both the countries share common perceptions in combating terrorism and both have resolved to continue cooperation in countering terrorism and transnational crimes. Endi