Govt mobilizing indigenous resources to respond to the devastating floods
EU grants enhanced market access to Pakistani products
PM says economic development and peace in South Asia dependent upon resolution of Kashmir dispute
ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan is looking forward to a positive response from the Forum of Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP), especially in the aftermath of the devastating floods.
He said that the national economy suffered the loss of billions of dollars due to the floods. The government, he added, was mobilizing the indigenous resources to respond to the challenge and the reordering of the budget priorities reflects the government’s resolve to rehabilitate the flood affectees.
Welcoming the European Union’s decision of giving enhanced market access to Pakistani products, he said that during his interactions with the world leaders, he advocated the theme of ‘trade not aid’ and the present concession by the EU was a result of the successful diplomacy of the present government. These concessions would improve the country’s exports to European markets.
The Prime Minister said that durable peace and economic development of the South Asian region hinged upon the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute. He appreciated the role of the Foreign Ministry in highlighting the human rights violations in Indian-held Kashmir at international forums, including the United Nations.
The Prime Minister said that the government was committed to implementing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) despite the huge blow to the national economy from the floods and the war on terror.
He also discussed the upcoming visit of the Turkish prime minister to Pakistan. He said that both the countries enjoy enviable relations and the Turkish PM’s visit would further strengthen relations as an expression of solidarity and support for the people of Pakistan in the wake of the recent floods.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi briefed the Prime Minister about the details of his visit to the UN and the participation in the UN Summit over the MDGs.
