Brussels, 18/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - Stabilising the country and contributing to its economic development remain the main objectives of the partnership between the EU and Pakistan. For their first summit held in Brussels on Wednesday 17 June, Europeans and Pakistanis confirmed the importance of strengthening security and democracy in Pakistan (and in the surrounding region) and of improving trade relations.
Noting the major progress made since the parliamentary elections in February 2008 in the transition towards democratic civilian rule in Pakistan, Europeans also acknowledge Islamabad's strong commitment in favour of stability and peace in the region. EU leaders state they are confident that a successful Pakistani army offensive against the Taliban in the Swat valley would make it possible to improve the country's prosperity. Greater security and stability in Afghanistan are among the main objectives of both partners, as is a return to normal Indian-Pakistani relations (dialogue between the two neighbouring countries was shyly resumed on the sidelines of the Shanghai cooperation organisation summit this week), their joint press release points out. They also point out the importance of international support for the fight against terrorism deployed by the Pakistani government and undertake to begin regular dialogue on counter-terrorism to back the Pakistani police forces.
The EU and Pakistan, which have decided to strengthen their trade relations, have agreed to step up their dialogue with a view to a possible free trade agreement. The possibility of including Pakistan among the beneficiaries of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) is also evoked by the EU, although more detail is lacking at this stage. “I am confident that we shall obtain support for the GSP, for the free trade agreement. All these questions are important for democracy and for making Pakistan stronger”, Mr Zardari said. (A.B./transl.jl)