Islamabad: Australian High Commissioner Tim George has said Pakistan and India could not be treated equally for provision of civil nuclear technology from Australia, adding that both countries have totally different situations for the provision of nuclear supply.
"Yes, Australia has an agreement with India but it is not against Pakistan," he said, adding that the Nuclear Suppliers Group has allowed India while Pakistan does not have this option, reports the Daily Times.
George said Pak-Australia relations have improved during his three-year stint as the high commissioner to Pakistan.
The Australian government wishes that Pakistan should get out of security concerns as soon as possible, he said, adding that terrorism is a complex issue and "we should work together to deal with it".
"I particularly welcome the deepening of our engagement, which is based on a productive, friendly and mutually beneficial partnership. We see Pakistan as a valuable long-term partner. We also wish to support Pakistan in facing its significant challenges," George said.
Australia's development assistance to Pakistan has expanded significantly in recent years, to an estimated 96 million Australian dollars in 2012-13.
ANI
First Published: Friday, May 18, 2012, 11:40