On Monday 19 November, the foreign ministers of the EU Member States called for closer cooperation between the European Union and Pakistan.
They stress in their conclusions that "the EU is ready to cooperate with Pakistan's new government" led by former cricketer Imran Khan (see EUROPE 12042) and who have been in power since the summer, in order "to support him in his efforts to make progress on social and economic reforms, ensure access to education and combat poverty and inequality through good governance and respect for the rule of law”. The EU aspires to strengthen its cooperation framework for the new EU-Pakistan Strategic Cooperation Plan "as soon as possible, thanks to this agreement".
The Council emphasises the strengthening of cooperation in the field of security and defence, in particular in the fight against the financing of terrorism, money laundering and nuclear safety and security. "Pakistan must ensure that its territory is not used as a safe haven for terrorist organizations and their networks", they added.
Ministers recall the "great importance" that they attach to strengthening cooperation on migration and the need for progress in accelerating re-entries and readmission, the reintegration of returnees and the fight against the smuggling of migrants and human trafficking. The Council warns that the readmission agreement must therefore be "effectively implemented".
The EU wishes to continue to work with Islamabad for the development of inclusive regional cooperation - it encourages the country to intensify its cooperation efforts with neighbouring countries and to resume a bilateral dialogue with India - and for peace in Afghanistan.
According to ministers, Pakistan must make "significant progress" in the implementation of the 27 international conventions covered by the GSP+ regime from which it benefits, if this preferential tariff regime is to continue to apply (see EUROPE 11955).
Finally, the Council calls for the advancement of human rights and particularly efforts in the freedom of religion or belief and the fight against the misuse of the blasphemy law, now that the acquitted Christian Asia Bibi is being threatened by Islamists (see EUROPE 12130). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)