Summary: January 25, 2005: Prime Minister of Pakistan's visit to European Commission (Brussels)
European Commission emphasises closer ties with Pakistan.
His Excellency, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz of Pakistan, accompanied by a distinguished delegation including several Cabinet ministers, paid a visit to Brussels during which he met with President José Manuel Barroso and Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, on Monday 24 January. On Tuesday 25 January he will meet with European Commissioner for Trade Peter Mandelson.
The President and the Prime Minister discussed matters related to bilateral relations, regional issues, trade and cooperation. These topics were later taken up during the meeting with Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner.
President Barroso said: "Pakistan is a key partner for the EU, and we appreciate the very positive role Pakistan has played in enhancing stability in this important region. Our commitment to you is clear from the substantial support we have offered over the past three years and I want to see our relationship continue to deepen."
Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner raised the implementation of the Third Generation Cooperation Agreement which entered into force in September 2004. "The approval of this Agreement sent a strong political signal of support to Pakistan. I look forward to launching work within the Agreement, which will provide the basis for us to engage in new areas of co-operation".
On regional issues, Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner told Prime Minister Aziz: "We have followed reconciliation efforts with India with great interest and look to both countries to stay the course, as this will bring tremendous benefits to the region." She also commended PM Aziz for the very constructive role Pakistan played during presidential elections in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Aziz's meeting with Commissioner Mandelson tomorrow will focus on ways of enhancing bilateral trade and investment flows. Commissioner Mandelson will highlight the importance of advancing the WTO negotiations under the Doha Development Agenda. Speaking ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Aziz Commissioner Mandelson said: "Pakistan can play an important role in the negotiations as a bridge-builder between different WTO constituencies. I am looking forward to working
closely together with Pakistan in the coming months with a view of making the Hong Kong Ministerial in December a success".
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