Pakistan, EU agree to strategic partnership in diverse fields
Shares
Pakistan and the European Union have agreed to a new Strategic Engagement Plan to build a strong partnership in diverse fields.
The understanding came at the fourth round of Strategic Dialogue between Pakistan and the European Union in Islamabad on Monday.
Pakistani side at the dialogue was led by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi while the EU by its Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini.
Later addressing a joint news conference along with Federica Mogherini, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was confident that the engagement plan, which will be formally signed in Brussels, will lay the foundation for a bright future between Pakistan and the European Union.
He said trade between Pakistan and the European Union have doubled after grant of GSP Plus status to Pakistan in 2013.
He said the present government is keen to enhance exports to Europe and fix the trade deficit issue, besides creating more jobs for Pakistanis through trade with Europe.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said he also apprised the EU delegation about the steps taken by Pakistan to fulfill FATF commitments as well as the steps taken to cleanse the tribal belt.
The Foreign Minister said both the sides also held discussions on the INGOs. He pointed out that seventy five INGOs are registered and working in Pakistan.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said he also informed the EU delegation that Pakistan is open in engaging with India to resolve all out outstanding disputes through a sustained dialogue as it is the only sensible way to go forward. He said both the sides are also convinced on it that solution lies only in dialogue process. He question whether atomic neighbors can thinking of going to war. This will only be madness.
The Foreign Minister said Pakistan has demonstrated restraint and gave a measured response. He said we took various steps to deescalate the tension including the immediate release of captured Indian pilot. He said the world is not oblivious to the steps that we took including that of sending back our high commissioner to India and restoring the hotline between the military directorates.
On Afghanistan, he said the European Union delegation shared Pakistan's concern for peace and stability in that country. He said that there is no military solution to the issue of Afghanistan. He said the EU delegation appreciated Pakistan's role in the Afghan reconciliation process.
About Iran, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that the Pakistani side informed the EU side that being a nieghboring country, Iran is very important for Pakistan.
He also reiterated Pakistan's concern on growing Islamophobia in the West.
For her part, Ms. Mogherini said the new Strategic Partnership Plan will lay a strong foundation for partnership between Pakistan and the European Union and further boost their future cooperation.
She said there was a convergence of beliefs between the two sides on many issues, including Afghanistan.
She said both sides agreed to work together in many fields.
Mogherini appreciated Pakistan's stance on de-escalating tension with India and crack down of the Pakistani security forces against the terrorists.
She said the European Union fully supports Pakistan in its drive against the terrorists.
The EU high representative also appreciated Pakistan's efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan.
