Brussels, 12/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 12 March, the European Parliament called for relations between the European Union and Pakistan to be strengthened. “The Parliament is convinced that relations between the EU and Pakistan need to be deepened and extended through development of the political dialogue”, states the report by Boris Zala (S&D, Slovakia) on the regional role of Pakistan and this country's political relations with the EU. MEPs adopted Zala's report by 457 votes in favour, 26 against and 65 abstentions. They call on the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the European Commission to implement a multi-dimensional policy on Pakistan that “guarantees the synergy of all useful instruments at the EU's disposition, such as the political dialogue, cooperation on security, trade and aid” (our translation). MEPs welcome the adoption of the five-year cooperation plan between the EU and Pakistan, and the launch of the strategic EU-Pakistan dialogue - but they want the European policy on Pakistan to be part of a larger strategy for the region.
The Parliament strongly reiterates that progress in the bilateral relations is linked to the improvement of the human rights situation. It is pleased that Pakistan has benefitted from the GSP+ system since 2014. The EU is the main destination for Pakistani exports (22.6% in 2012) and the Parliament reminds the EU and Islamabad of their obligations on this.
Stressing the importance of the elections in March 2013 for the consolidation of democracy and the civil regime in Pakistan, the European Parliament encourages Pakistan's political elites to take advantage of this momentum in order to make reforms. (CG)