KARACHI: Canada is an important partner in the war on terror and values the sacrifices Pakistan has made, said Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Perry J Calderwood. He said this during an exclusive interview with a magazine. The High Commissioner said Canada regarded multiculturalism and diversity as Canada’s strength.”Pakistan is an important partner for Canada,” he said. “It’s a relationship that covers a very broad range of activities.” Calderwood said the growing ties of both countries concerning trade, development and investment are encouraging. He showed his confidence in bilateral trade which has exceeded 1.5 billion CAD for the first time in the history of the economic relationship between both countries. He said, “The potential is much greater and it is one of my priorities as High Commissioner to encourage more trade and investment and economic partnerships between the private sectors of the two countries.” Calderwood acknowledged the positive role of the Pakistani community in Canada and hoped the community, especially Pakistani students who are studying in Canada, would pave the way for stronger ties between the two countries. He was also of the opinion that democracy in Pakistan is flourishing. He hoped the rule of law, transparency, respect for human rights and accountability, along with holding free and fair elections will further consolidate democracy.