EU Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner to visit Pakistan

European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner will visit Pakistan 18-19 November to demonstrate Europe's solidarity in the aftermath of the earthquake that has cost thousands of lives, and left millions homeless. She expects to hold bilateral talks with President Musharraf, Prime Minister Aziz and Foreign Minister Kasuri to discuss priorities for European Union reconstruction assistance, and to attend the International Donors Conference in Islamabad on 19 November 2005. The European Commission has already agreed a €93.6 million package of aid, of which €43.6 million has been allocated to the immediate humanitarian effort and a further €50 million for reconstruction. During her visit to Pakistan, the Commissioner will see at first hand the earthquake affected areas around Muzaffarabad.

On the eve of her visit Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner said: "The EU has acted swiftly to deliver humanitarian aid and we are already hard at work preparing our reconstruction assistance for the affected areas. We are demonstrating our commitment to the people of Pakistan in concrete actions to help people rebuild their lives and livelihoods".

She added: "If any good can come out of this calamity, we must seize the chance. Cooperation between Pakistan and India in the aftermath of the earthquake has been positive and I encourage both countries to continue with these positive steps."

The October 8th earthquake killed over 73,000 people and injured over 70,000 and six weeks later an estimated 2.5 million people remain homeless or displaced without schools, hospitals or livelihoods.

The European Commission's Humanitarian Department, ECHO, which comes under the responsibility of Development Commissioner Louis Michel, is already directing €46.3 million to immediate humanitarian support to improve current conditions for the worst affected communities, including the provision of much-needed logistical capacity including helicopters transport, temporary shelter, medical assistance and water and sanitation. A team of ECHO field experts in Pakistan is also assisting in the organisation and coordination in the field of international relief efforts.

In addition to this, the European Commission has allocated €50 million for reconstruction needs. Most of the Commission's reconstruction aid will be committed before the end of this year. The priorities for European Commission are education, restoring infrastructure and helping people to regain their livelihoods. Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner attaches particular importance to getting children back to school, and the EU will contribute to ensuring that schools are able to reopen as soon as possible in temporary accommodation.

During discussions in Islamabad, the Commissioner will underline the EU's willingness to work with the government and adapt existing aid to the government's changing priorities. The EU is currently preparing its budget plans for 2007 onwards, and expects to continue as a reliable partner for Pakistan.

Other bilateral issues likely to be covered include the fight against terrorism, progress towards a readmission agreement between the EU and Pakistan, and preparations for the parliamentary elections in 2007.

For further information go to:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/pakistan/intro/index.htm

| Arriba |

• EU Commission adds €10m for Pakistan earthquake relief  (21/11/2005)
• Pakistan earthquake: EU Commission proposes €93.6 million aid package  (24/10/2005)
• EU-Pakistan Troika: Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner proposes major increase in aid to Pakistan (26/4/2005)
• Prime Minister of Pakistan's visit to European Commission (25/1/2005)