Pakistan Values Relationship with EU Countries: Shaukat Aziz
By Aziz Malik 'Pakistan Times' Federal Bureau Chief

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Wednesday said Pakistan values its relationship with the European Union (EU), which is an important player in the fields of global diplomacy and economy.

Talking to Foreign Minister of Germany Dr. Frank Walter Steinmeier who called on him here, the Prime Minister said Pakistan is seeking enduring partnerships with the EU countries.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan attaches high value to its relations with Germany and wants it to help Pakistan get better access to the European markets as well as signing of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union.

Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan of today is different from Pakistan of yesterday. Pakistan is a growing nation; a country whose economy is growing rapidly and whose future holds bright prospects for its people, he said.

He said the reform agenda of the government covering all facets of life has brought political stability, high economic growth and development in the country.

The size of the economy and per capita income has doubled in the last five years significantly impacting living standards of people and lowering poverty by ten percent, he added.

The Prime Minister said political reforms of the government have strengthened democracy from grassroots to the upper levels and people now enjoy increased political empowerment and have a more effective role in decision-making at all levels.

Shaukat Aziz said for the first time in the country's history the Parliament will complete its term, by the end of this year and elections will be held on time.

The Prime Minister said the government is promoting a democratic culture. It allows difference of opinion and respects freedom of expression, he said.

He said the freedom being enjoyed by the media in Pakistan today has no parallel in our history.

Shaukat Aziz said the government allowed proliferation of media to provide diverse sources of information to the public, which is contributing to the establishment of a mature democratic culture in the country.

On the regional situation, the Prime Minister said Pakistan is promoting peace and stability in the region to ensure a better future for its people.

He said Pakistan is committed to the process of composite dialogue with India for the resolution of all outstanding issues between the two countries including the core issue of Kashmir.

The Prime Minister said the resolution of Kashmir issue in line with the wishes and aspirations of the people of Kashmir will bring sustainable peace and change the destiny of the people of the South Asia.

Talking of Afghanistan, the Prime Minister said a holistic approach needs to be adopted for a sustainable and long-lasting solution of the Afghan problem.

He said peace, development and vibrancy in Afghanistan is important for regional stability and Pakistan is supporting Afghanistan in every possible way.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan is supporting efforts aimed at establishment of peace in Afghanistan because it is in its own interest as well as in the interest of the Afghan people and the region.

He said Pakistan has taken a number of steps to stop illegal crossing at Pakistan-Afghanistan border which include selective fencing of the borders, increase in the security forces and setting up of check posts on the border.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan is concerned over drug production in Afghanistan and the nexus between drug money and global terrorism.

He emphasized that the international community needs to help Afghanistan in crop substitution, employment generation and creation of more opportunities for the people of Afghanistan.

Talking of the Middle East, the Prime Minister said events taking place there have long-term implications for the region and the world and the international community needs to take immediate steps to resolve the festering disputes of Palestine, Lebanon and Iraq.

With China, the Prime Minister said, Pakistan has a strategic partnership and is proud of its friendship which is touching new heights.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the need to promote inter-faith harmony in the world.

He said people belonging to various faiths need to build bridges to fill the widening gap between them. Islam is a faith which promotes peace, harmony and inter-faith understanding, he added.

"All of us need to think as citizens of the world for a better future of the world while maintaining our religious and cultural identity", the Prime Minister said.

Other issues that came under discussion included political and social sector developments taking place in Pakistan, bilateral relations and regional and international issues.

Dr. Frank Walter Steinmeier appreciated Pakistan's plan to hold free and fair elections.

He appreciated that relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are improving due to better appreciation of each other's point of view.

The German Foreign Minister apprised the Prime Minister of the various steps taken by Germany to help Afghanistan in its reconstruction process.

He appreciated Pakistan's role in promoting peace and stability in the region and its growing economic potential.

Pakistan's role in a fight against global terrorism is significant and important for the world, he said.

The meeting was also attended among others by Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri and senior officials.●