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PR. No.291/2008

Date: 26/09/2008    

FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS WITH THE EU MINISTERIAL TROIKA IN NEW YORK

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, together with senior officials from the Foreign Office, held a meeting with the Troika of the European Union. Deputy Foreign Minister of France, Foreign Minister of Czech Republic and Commissioner for Foreign Relations of the European Union led the EU delegation. The two sides discussed Pakistan-EU relations, efforts to combat terrorism, Pakistan – Afghanistan relations and status of Pakistan – India peace process.

2. Foreign Minister Qureshi stressed the need to strengthen the multifaceted relations with the European Union which was Pakistan 's largest trading partner. He proposed to initiate a strategic dialogue with the European Union and to upgrade the Ministerial dialogue to the summit level. The Foreign Minister argued Pakistan 's case for market access to the European Union. He handed over to the EU Ministerial Troika a concrete plan and road map for building long term and sustainable relations with the European countries.

3. Foreign Minister Qureshi also briefed the EU Troika on government's multipronged strategy to address the challenges of extremism and terrorism. He emphasized that the new democratic government fully owned the fight against terrorism which was in the interest of Pakistan . However, simultaneous with the use of force, the government was also using political and economic incentives to win hearts and minds in the complex war against extremism.

4. Foreign Minister assured the European leaders of Pakistan 's efforts to sincerely engage with Afghanistan . He said a stable and prosperous Afghanistan was in the interest of Pakistan . Pakistan wanted peace with all its neighbours. Pakistan was also open to working constructively with India to evolve peaceful and mutually beneficial bilateral relations.

5. The European Union Troika expressed complete faith in the resolve and determination of the new government in combating terrorism. They said the EU was working on a draft package for economic assistance for Pakistan and Afghanistan . The European Union Troika reiterated its commitment to build a long term partnership with Pakistan . The EU leaders invited Foreign Minister Qureshi to visit Brussels for discussion on various dimensions of relations with Pakistan .

New York

26 September 2008