PARIS: Pakistan and France on Thursday agreed to cooperate in security, trade and economic partnership in a bid to further broaden their bilateral relationship.
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani concluded his three-day official visit with the signing of a declaration on security cooperation along with his French counterpart Francois Fillon.
Minister of State for Foreign and Economic Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar inked the agreement on Trade and Economic Partnership, while the French Minister of State for Foreign Trade Pierre Lelloche signed the document.
The two declarations were signed after the meeting of Prime Minister Gilani with the French Prime Minister at his official residence. A Joint Statement issued simultaneously from Islamabad and Paris stated that during the dialogue, the leaders of the two countries agreed on enhancing security cooperation, intelligence sharing, defence cooperation, economic assistance, trade and cooperation against terrorism.
"Both the sides reaffirmed their commitment in curbing the menace of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and resolved to deal with it through enhanced security and counter-terrorism cooperation," the Joint Statement said.
Prime Minister Gilani told APP that his talks with the French leadership were "very positive" and said his visit helped dispel the negative impression, created by the Western media against Pakistan.
He said now it was the duty of the Pakistani media to tell the world that Pakistan was a peace loving country and desired stability in the region.
Gilani stressed that the negative perceptions about Pakistan need to be corrected and the world must realize the sacrifices of the people and security forces of the country and help build its capacity to counter extremism and terrorism.
Prime Minister Fillon seconded the statement of President Nicholas Sarkozy who yesterday in his talks with Prime Minister Gilani appreciated his political acumen and described him as "an anchor of democracy".
He assured Pakistan of his country's full support in this regard. He also acknowledged Pakistan's democratic transformation and its geo-political importance. He appreciated significant contributions being made by Pakistan in promoting global and regional peace, security and stability.
The Prime Minister in his talks with the French leadership and its business community urged them to invest in Pakistan and initiate joint ventures between their private sectors so that economic activity is generated.
Under the declaration on the security cooperation both sides would share information on issues related to terrorism and enhance interaction. They would also work to build the capacity and train their law enforcement agencies in use of equipment used for combating terrorism.
Both the sides also vowed to enhance bilateral relations through security cooperation.
The declaration on economic cooperation would also focus on providing financing aimed at addressing the energy crisis being faced by Pakistan.
It would also cater to enhance institutional cooperation, and France would assist Pakistan in strengthening capacity and enable the country develop its own capability on international trade related matters.
France also shared the commitment of the European Union Council to facilitate market access to Pakistan, in conformity with the rules of the World Trade Organisation.
The French investments in Pakistan would also be promoted through the Ubi France - Agency for International Business Development.
The Joint Declaration said the two countries had in-depth discussions with the French leadership on bilateral, regional and global issues.
The two sides also announced setting up of an administrating committee to facilitate the establishment of Pakistan-France Joint Business Council and would facilitate and strengthen bilateral economic and commercial partnership.
The Joint Business Council was set up following Prime Minister Gilani's address to the French Business Confederation (MEDEF).
Prime Minister Gilani also appreciated France's role as a key trade and investment partner.
The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude for the flood relief assistance by France and both acknowledged importance of sharing experiences and on taking measures for disaster risk reduction.
Pakistan and France value their partnership, which is characterized by close coordination not only at the bilateral level but also in the context of the European Union. France is the second largest trading partner of Pakistan.
Both Pakistan and France also agreed to expand mutually beneficial economic and trade interaction by promoting and devising appropriate means to facilitate private sector's cooperation for bilateral, regional and trans-regional peace, security and stability.
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