Brussels, 18/07/2016 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 18 July, the EU's Foreign Affairs Council asked High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and the European Commission to start consultations with Pakistan in order to strengthen bilateral relations, while hailing the fact that relations with Pakistan have expanded in scope and intensity since 2012.
“The Council invites the High Representative and the European Commission to initiate consultations with Pakistan on a framework for engagement beyond the EU-Pakistan 5-year engagement plan, with particular priority given to human rights, the strengthening of democracy, rule of law and governance, as well as migration including readmission”, the conclusions adopted by the Council without debate say. The ministers also state that effective implementation of the readmission agreement is “critical for the continued development of EU-Pakistan relations”.
In addition, the Council says that the EU is committed to expanding its counter terrorism cooperation with Pakistan and making it “more operational”. The Council “looks forward to holding a new edition of the EU-Pakistan staff talks to exchange on crisis management and defence cooperation”.
The Council furthermore recalls its concerns with regard to the situation of human rights in Pakistan. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)