VOA标准英语2010年-Pakistani, British Leaders Downplay Te

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and British Prime Minister David Cameron, 6 Aug 2010.

British Prime Minister David Cameron and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari have pledged to work together closely to fight terrorism following talks in London. The public display of unity¹ comes on the heels of last week's remarks by Mr. Cameron in which he publicly questioned Pakistan's commitment to combat Islamic extremism.

But after meeting with President Zardari Friday, British Prime Minister David Cameron had nothing but warm words.

"The president and I have been talking about what we see as an unbreakable relationship between Britain and Pakistan based on our mutual² interests," said Mr. Cameron.  He added the talks at his country retreat covered a variety of subjects.

 

"What we've been talking about is our strategic partnership³ and how we can deepen and enhance that partnership to make sure we deal with all the issues where we want to see progress, whether that's in trade, whether that's in education, and also in the absolutely vital area of combating terrorism" said Prime Minister Cameron. 

In turn, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari was equally positive about the relationship between the two countries.

"It's a friendship which will never break no matter what happens.  Storms will come and storms will go and Pakistan and Britain will stand together and face all the difficulties with dignity," Mr. Zardari declared.

The wording was likely designed to defuse Pakistani anger sparked by Mr. Cameron when he accused Pakistan of exporting terror.  Pakistan considered it especially insulting because Prime Minister Cameron made the statement in India, a long-time adversary⁴ of Pakistan.  Mr. Zardari had promised to set the record straight with Mr. Cameron, who called the two nations allies in fighting terrorism.

"We want to work together to combat terrorism to make sure, whether it is keeping troops safe in Afghanistan or keeping people safe on the streets of Britain, that is a real priority for my government and somewhere where, with Pakistan, we are going to work together in this enhanced strategic partnership," Mr. Cameron said.

Mr. Zardari also said the prime minister promised to help Pakistan get access to EU markets. 

"I am looking forward to a relationship where Britain supports Pakistan's position around the world; where we can get more trade and less aid," said President Zardari. "We can be self-dependent."

Mr. Zardari has come under fire for being in Europe, while hundreds have died and millions of Pakistanis are suffering after widespread flooding.

Tariq Dar is the chairman of a Pakistani community center in London that has been collecting clothes, blankets, and money for the flood victims.

"He (Zardari) made a blunder, he shouldn't have come here especially in a time of crisis when his people are suffering," Dar said.

Many Pakistanis living in Britain agree that Mr. Zardari's overseas trip at a time of an acute humanitarian⁵ crisis at home is ill timed.

 

1 unity   

n.团结，联合，统一；和睦，协调

参考例句：

• When we speak of unity,we do not mean unprincipled peace.所谓团结，并非一团和气。
• We must strengthen our unity in the face of powerful enemies.大敌当前，我们必须加强团结。

2 mutual   

adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的

参考例句：

• We must pull together for mutual interest.我们必须为相互的利益而通力合作。
• Mutual interests tied us together.相互的利害关系把我们联系在一起。

3 partnership   

n.合作关系，伙伴关系

参考例句：

• The company has gone into partnership with Swiss Bank Corporation.这家公司已经和瑞士银行公司建立合作关系。
• Martin has taken him into general partnership in his company.马丁已让他成为公司的普通合伙人。

4 adversary   

adj.敌手，对手

参考例句：

• He saw her as his main adversary within the company.他将她视为公司中主要的对手。
• They will do anything to undermine their adversary's reputation.他们会不择手段地去损害对手的名誉。

5 humanitarian   

n.人道主义者，博爱者，基督凡人论者

参考例句：

• She has many humanitarian interests and contributes a lot to them.她拥有很多慈善事业，并作了很大的贡献。
• The British government has now suspended humanitarian aid to the area.英国政府现已暂停对这一地区的人道主义援助。