Brussels, 10/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 8 December, the Council adopted conclusions on the situation in Pakistan, in which they welcome the consolidation of democratic civilian rule since the election of President Asif Ali Zardari last September (replacing General Pervez Musharraf). The EU is proposing to step up political dialogue and deepen its relations with Pakistan, said French Foreign Affairs Minister Bernard Kouchner, who added that an EU-Pakistan summit would be held in the near future, if possible under the Czech Presidency in 2009. This would be a great first, to be preceded by sending a troika of foreign affairs ministers of the EU27 to Islamabad in February, to improve dialogue in the following areas: trade, development, inter-cultural exchange, non-proliferation, human rights, migration, the fight against terrorism and radicalisation and education.
Reiterating "Pakistan's commitment to fight terrorism and extremism", the Council also called on the authorities to step up their efforts to fight this threat and honour their commitments. It called for an improvement in relations between Pakistan and its neighbours, particularly India and Afghanistan, and underlined "the necessity to enhance regional cooperation, considering this an essential element in the field of counter-terrorism". The Council also takes note of the request made by Pakistan to launch negotiation proceedings for an EU-Pakistan free-trade agreement. (A.B./transl.fl)