ISLAMABAD: Six member European Union Parliament Mission delegation led by Jean Lambert, chair of South Asia, called on Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf at Prime Minister House on Tuesday and discussed ways to reinforce mutually beneficial and cooperative relationship between Pakistan and European Union.
The Prime Minister thanked G. Lambert and her delegation for supporting Pakistan in the European Union for inclusion in GSP plus in 2014 and early finalization of Autonomous Trade Preference (ATPs) package.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan attaches great importance to EU and enjoys excellent relations with all EU member countries.
He appreciated the understanding and support extended by EU to help Pakistan meet the challenges posed by terrorism.
The Prime Minister stated that his government attaches high priority to have friendly relations with international community and to ensure peaceful and stable security environment in the region.
The Prime Minister added that despite human and material losses suffered by Pakistan his government and people of Pakistan are fully committed to eradicate menace of extremism and terrorism for peace in the region and the world at large.
Pakistan is committed to provide assistance to international efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan which should be an Afghan led and intra -Afghan inclusive process "Pakistan has direct interest in stability and peace in Afghanistan", the Prime Minister added.
Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf stated that his coalition government attaches high priority to hold free, fair and transparent elections and enable the people of Pakistan to exercise free choice to elect their leaders.
He maintained that the appointment of Chief Election Commissioner is a manifestation of the resolve of the coalition government to strengthen democracy by building consensus and taking all political parties and other stakeholders on board.
The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan Peoples Party has staunchly upheld democracy in the country by strengthening democratic institutions.
He apprised the members of the delegation that his coalition government has restored the original 1973 Constitution through 18th, 19th and 20th constitutional amendments in the Constitution and removed all distortions of the past dictators.
The Prime Minister said that his democratic government attaches great importance to the human rights issues and protection of the minorities and women rights.
He informed the members of European Union Delegation about the laws recently enacted by the Parliament to ensure equal rights to the minorities and provide opportunities to the women to play an active role in politics, economy and social life in the country.
He stated that Pakistan Peoples Party is the flag bearer of the cause of women and the minorities' rights in accordance with the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
Lambert appreciated the steps taken by the government to strengthen judiciary.
Lambert expressed her satisfaction at the discussions she has held in Pakistan and expressed her resolve to further develop the European Union linkages with the democratic institutions in Pakistan.
She hoped that Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf's coming visit to Kabul will help in arriving at a settlement in Afghanistan for ushering peace and stability in the region.
Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister for Foreign affairs was also present during the meeting.
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