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ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister of France, Dominique de Villepin called on President General Pervez Musharraf at Army House Rawalpindi on Saturday.

The President briefed him on Pakistan's key role in the international community's war against terrorism and measures being taken towards this aspect.

President Musharraf reiterated Pakistan's abiding commitment to non-proliferation.

CBMs

The President apprised de Villepin of the CBMs and steps taken by Pakistan towards resumption of composite dialogue with India for resolution of all disputes including Jammu and Kashmir.

He, however, underlined that progress towards normalization of relations would depend upon progress made in the composite dialogue which includes the issue of Jammu & Kashmir.

Enlightened Moderation

The President highlighted the salient features of the two pronged strategy for realization of his vision of Enlightened Moderation and stressed upon its implementation for which settlement of burning issues like Palestine, Kashmir, Iraq and Afghanistan is required.

Full Support

The Foreign Minister of France conveyed the great admiration and regard in which france holds the President of Pakistan and its full support to his policies on counter-terrorism and non-proliferation and the steps taken towards normalization of relations with India. He admitted that European Union and France both need to do more to support Pakistan's efforts for rapid socio-economic development.

Dominique de Villepin informed the President that France was reviewing its policy which so far took a narrow regional view of Pakistan. It was their desire to engage Pakistan in global cooperation framework in keeping with the enhanced importance of Pakistan and its role in the commity of nations.

Meets Prime Minister Jamali

The French Foreign Minster Dominique de Villepin met Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali at the Prime Minister House Saturday evening.

Prime Minister Jamali reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to play its due role in war against terrorism and to carry on sincere efforts for combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Topics

Pak-French relations are being strengthened on all fronts including defence, economic and cultural relations, said the Prime Minister. He informed Dominique de Villepin about the latest developments in Pak-India relations.

He hoped that international community will stay engaged in this region till the fruitful and result oriented dialogue leads towards the solution of Kashmir issue. The Premier also discussed the latest situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East.

Pakistan is a responsible country and strongly opposes nuclear proliferation, said the Premier. He informed the visiting Foreign Minster that strict measures have been taken to ensure non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

de Villepin Reax

Dominique de Villepin welcomed the progress made regarding composite dialogue between India and Pakistan and appreciated the initiatives of the Government of Pakistan.

He informed the Prime Minister that a cabinet level delegation that will also include industrialists will soon visit Pakistan to give concrete shape for further cementing economic relations between the two countries. France and European Union will increase the level of economic interaction with Pakistan, he added.

Pakistan's Vital Role

The visiting Foreign Minster said that entire peace loving world recognizes and value the vital role of Pakistan in the war against terror and appreciates the efforts of this country for eradicating the menace of terrorism from the map of the world.

Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri, Ambassador of France Pierre Charasse, Assistant Secretary for Communication and Information Herve Ladsous, Advisor for Strategic and Defence Issues Bruno Le Maire and Assistant Secretary Asia Department Mrs. Anne Grillolo-Nebout were also present during the meeting.