Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said that Pakistan desires a sustained and comprehensive partnership with the European Union (EU) with particular emphasis on economic content.
While leading a delegation at the third Round of Political Dialogue with the EU in Brussels Aizaz expressed satisfaction at the upward trajectory of Pakistan – EU relations and appreciated the EU for extending GSP+ facility, which had helped stimulate trade relations between Pakistan and Europe.
A foreign office spokesman said the foreign secretary also underlined the need for a comprehensive and sustained economic framework. The two sides looked forward to hosting of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue at the Ministerial level later this year.
Leading the EU delegation, Helga Schmid, Deputy Secretary General, European External Action Service noted the progress made in the implementation of Five-Year Engagement Plan and affirmed EU’s desire to expand relations with Pakistan in diverse areas of cooperation, the press release said.
She also appreciated steps and initiatives Pakistan had taken for promotion and protection of human rights.
The two sides agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in all spheres, including parliamentary exchanges, bilateral political consultations between the Foreign Ministries and linkages between education institutions.
They also discussed the situation in Afghanistan, South Asia and the Middle East.
