ISLAMABAD – Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesdaystressing the importance of economic and cultural diplomacy, called fordeeper engagement between Pakistan and the European Union in those spheres.
The foreign minister expressed these views during a working luncheon hehosted for the EU ambassadors here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It was the second such luncheon hosted by the foreign minister, whichprovided an opportunity to both sides to share their perspectives and plansto carry forward the relationship.
Qureshi welcomed the ambassadors and stated that Pakistan greatly valuedits relations with the European Union, which were based on shared valuesand common objectives of peace, prosperity and development.
The Pakistan-EU relationship has strengthened steadily over the years andwas pursued through sound institutional mechanisms and dialogue processes.
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The two sides elevated their relationship by signing the StrategicEngagement Plan (SEP) in June 2019. SEP is a forward-looking andcomprehensive framework of cooperation in diverse areas of mutual interest.
The foreign finister highlighted that the ‘smart’ lockdown strategy of thegovernment to save lives and secure livelihoods had turned out to besuccessful and also led to an increase in economic activity in the country,including exports.
He stressed that the global community must come together to combat thevirus and should realize that nobody is safe till everyone is safe.
Foreign Minister Qureshi expressed satisfaction at the trade and investmentrelations between Pakistan and the European Union.
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He also appreciated the continuation of GSP Plus status to Pakistan. Hehighlighted the positive outlook of Pakistan’s economy.
The growing economic trajectory coupled with extensive natural resourcesoffered huge opportunities for enhanced trade, investment, and tourism, headded.
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The foreign minister also briefed the EU ambassadors regarding regionalsituation. He highlighted the grave human rights situation in the IndianIllegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) and underscored the importanceof peaceful solution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with therelevant UN resolutions.
The foreign minister dilated upon Pakistan’s positive contributions to theAfghan peace process and facilitative role in advancing the cause of peace,stability and prosperity in Afghanistan, region and beyond.
The EU ambassadors appreciated the initiative which provided an opportunityfor an in-depth exchange of views on areas of mutual interest.
The importance of closer engagement on Pakistan-EU relations and regionaland international issues was underscored.
