PM Gilani seeks increased EU economic facilities for Pakistan

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with the European Union and desires to further increase cooperation in all the fields.He was talking to Javier Solana High Representative of the European Union who called on him here at the Prime Minister Secretariat this afternoon.
The Prime Minister said that there is great scope to raise the existing level of trade and commercial ties between Pakistan and European Union and called for extending the economic facilities to Pakistan as being given to other countries.
The Prime Minister appreciated the role of the European Union Observers during the general election in Pakistan and their valuable observations made in their report.
The formation of democratic government as a result of these elections should now encourage investors from European Union to invest in Pakistan as democracy ensures transparency and level playing field, he added.
While appreciating the European Union’s role in promoting peace and security in the world and in the region, the Prime Minister asked all the members of the European Union to extend assistance in supporting the multi-pronged strategy to combat extremism which stems from economic deprivation and disparity.
The Prime Minister while reiterating the coalition government’s commitment to fight terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations said that it was part of the agenda of all the political parties in the government.
The success of moderate forces in the general elections has given a new impetus to this commitment, he added.
“Our strategy to combat terrorism particularly in areas bordering Afghanistan include economic dispensation, political dialogue and administrative measures”, the Prime Minister said.
These efforts, he added would promote democratic values and help bring the area in the fold of national activities. He however reaffirmed that no compromise will be made with the militants.
The Prime Minister said that law and order coupled with economic difficulties are the main challenges inherited by the government. The policies are being devised accordingly to overcome the difficulties being faced by the people, he added.
“The focus of our policies is to create economic opportunities and promote industrial and agricultural output. The main hurdle in this context is the energy shortage for which extensive plans and programmes are being prepared”, he added.
The Prime minister while referring to the political developments in Pakistan said that the people have reposed confidence on our manifesto which mentions the revival of 1973 constitution in its original form which was unanimously passed by all political parties.
The supremacy of the parliament is enshrined in the 1973 constitution which clearly defines the role of all institutions of the state, he added.
As regards the regional situation the Prime Minister said that Pakistan wants good relations with all its neighbours in the interest of peace and economic prosperity of the region.
While referring to the telephonic contacts by the leaders of neighbouring countries including India and Afghanistan after his assumption of office, the Prime Minister said that their sentiments were very encouraging and he hoped that the same spirit of goodwill will continue to prevail.
Javier Solana while congratulating the Prime Minister on his election said that his presence and meetings with the leadership is a manifestation of European Union’s support for the democratic government in Pakistan.
The European Union desires to forge stronger and comprehensive relations with Pakistan covering trade and development cooperation as well, he added.