European Union Representative Federica Mogherini lauded Pakistan´s efforts in bringing peace to neighbouring Afghanistan and facilitating the dialogue process between Taliban and the Afghan Government.
Mogherini expressed these views after meeting with the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on the sidelines of the 12th Foreign Affairs Ministers’ meeting of Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) meeting in Luxembourg.
The Foreign Office spokesman in a statement issued in Islamabad said that Sartaj Aziz briefed Federica Mogherini on the positive developments of the past two years including continuing strengthening of the democratic process, revival of the economy and decisive action on terrorism.
Both the dignitaries agreed that these positive developments will further improve the opportunities for trade and investment in Pakistan.
The current level of trade between Pakistan and Europe had already crossed $11 billion especially after the GSP+ status which commenced from January 2014.
Mogherini mentioned that review of GSP+ in the first two years will be undertaken in the beginning of 2016 and emphasized the importance of adequate implementation of the requirements especially adherence to the 27 UN Conventions on Human Rights, Labor standards and climate change.
The two sides discussed the problems arising from the large flow of refugees in Europe from Syria, Iraq and other countries along with the unexpected influx of economic migrants from countries including Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Aziz also requested Mogherini to visit Pakistan in early 2016 for the Third Strategic Dialogue between Pakistan and EU, which the EU representative accepted.
