Brussels, 28/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - Following the visit of Javier Solana to Islamabad on 22 April, the EU minister for foreign affairs on Tuesday welcomed the recent progress made in the democratic process in Pakistan. The conclusions for adoption on Tuesday 29 April by the External Relations Council indicate that the general and regional elections on 18 February were described as being fair overall (EUROPE 9607) and provided Pakistan and the EU will new opportunities for improving and deepening their relations. Particular attention in these relations will be paid to economic development and trade, counter terrorism, non-proliferation, human rights, immigration, education, intercultural issues, regional cooperation and the major international questions. According to the draft conclusions, cooperation with Pakistan will also continue to focus on rural development and education. On the basis of recommendations made by the electoral missions, the EU will be proposing, together with the Pakistani authorities, to find ways of strengthening the democratic institutions, the election framework (particularly the institutional capacity), legislative reform and voter turn-out. (A.B.)