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PR. No.285/2008

Date: 23/09/2008    

FOREIGN MINISTER'S MEETINGS ON THE SIDELINES OF UNGA IN NEW YORK

The Foreign Minister, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi who is visiting New York in connection with the 63rd UN General Assembly Session, today met with Dr. Javier Solana, Secretary General of the European Union and High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Mr. Ahmed Gheit Foreign Minister of Egypt and Mr. Stephen Smith, Foreign Minister of Australia.

In his meeting with the EU Secretary General the Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of upgrading the relations between EU and Pakistan to the summit level. He underlined the need for early conclusion of the free trade agreement between Pakistan and EU. He also expressed Pakistan 's desire to establish relationship with Afghanistan that was based on trust. The EU Secretary General appreciated Pakistan 's cooperation in Afghanistan and the role it was playing in the global security situation.

The Foreign Minister of Egypt expressed condolences over the bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad . Both Foreign Ministers expressed the desire to further the economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
In his meeting with Mr. Stephen Smith, the Foreign Minister of Australia, Foreign Minister Qureshi emphasized the need for collaboration in various sectors including agriculture and education for further deepening ties between the two countries.

New York

23 September 2008