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PR. No.172/2008
Date: 13/06/2008
FOREIGN MINISTER'S MEETINGS IN PARIS
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who is in Paris to attend the International Conference for Assistance to Afghanistan , met with his counterparts from Spain , European Union , Turkey and Canada .
Meeting with Spanish Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister Qureshi in a meeting with his Spanish counterpart Miguel Angel Moratinos expressed Pakistan 's keen interest in expanding bilateral relations by exploring new avenues of cooperation such as renewable and alternate energy sources, oil and gas, agriculture, and tourism.
Foreign Minister Qureshi also spoke about the need to enhance bilateral trade, which is at $ 510 million presently but is for below its potential.
The Foreign Minister of Spain expressed the support of his government for an enhanced bilateral relations. He said Pakistan – Spain collaboration was important in the struggle against the global challenges including terrorism, illegal immigration, proliferation, extremism and drug trafficking.
Meeting with EU Commissioner for External Relations
In his meeting with Mrs. Benita Ferrero–Waldner, the EU Commissioner for External Relations, the Foreign Minister condemned the despicable terrorist incident of bomb-blast on 2 nd June in front of Danish Embassy. He said the incident has further fortified Pakistan 's resolve to eradicate the menace from its roots.
Foreign Minister Qureshi also thanked the EU for Election Observation Mission that monitored the 18 th February general elections.
Foreign Minister Qureshi underscored the need to institute greater intellectual harmony and dialogue among civilizations to counter the misperceptions being created against Islam in the West.
The EU Commissioner for External Relations thanked Pakistan for its role in the war against terrorism, underlined the importance of EU relations with Pakistan and agreed with the Foreign Minister that harmony between civilizations was necessary for world peace.
Meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister Qureshi thanked Foreign Minister Ali Babacan for the continued and principled Turkish support on the Kashmir dispute. He also said Pakistan would continue to support Turkish efforts for a just solution of the Cyprus problem.
The two Foreign Ministers agreed that Pakistan – Turkey relations are characterized by shared perceptions on major regional and international issues. They also agreed that there was an unutilized potential that could significantly enhance the economic and commercial relations between Pakistan and Turkey .
They expressed satisfaction over the bilateral political relations and cooperation in the multilateral fora between the two sides.
Meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister
In his meeting with the Canadian Foreign Minister David L. Emerson, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan said Islamabad valued its long-standing bilateral relations with Canada and desired to further strengthen and broaden this relationship with focus on enhanced trade and economic and commercial cooperation.
He said over 300,000 strong Pakistani – Canadian community constitutes a valuable bond and provides stimulus for efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.
The Canadian Foreign Minister underscored the importance Canada attached to its relations with Pakistan , the common interest the two sides have in regional peace and security and the cooperation they have in the multilateral fora.
Foreign Minister Qureshi also briefed Foreign Minister Emerson on the multi-pronged strategy of Pakistan to address the challenges of extremism and terrorism.
Islamabad
13 June 2008
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