Chaudhry Nisar appreciates Sweden's support for democracy

The Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan has appreciated Sweden's support for democracy, human rights and good governance in Pakistan. He made these remarks during his meeting with Carl Bildt, the Swedish Foreign Minister, who called on him here on Wednesday, wherein the two leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations, as well as on other issues of common interest.
The Swedish Foreign Minister spoke of the importance his country attaches to Pakistan and its desire to strengthen political and economic relations with it. Nisar briefed him on the long and bitter struggle of the people of Pakistan to rid the country of a military dictator and the role his Party had played in strengthening the institutions of democracy and the rule of law.
In the process, his colleagues and he, under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, had to face huge impediments and major challenges, but they never faltered in their struggle for the restoration of the democracy. The Leader of the Opposition pointed out that Swedish support over the years, for the programmes that focused on good governance, poverty alleviation and respect for human rights had proven most beneficial to the country.
Emphasising that his party attached great importance to strengthening of relations with Sweden, he said that Swedish policies, both at home and abroad, had brought it great respect in the comity of nations.
Sweden's consistent support for building relations with foreign countries on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs was worthy of emulation. Sweden had not only encouraged greater trade and investment with Pakistan, but also extended facilities to a large number of our people to study in their country, enabling many of them to obtain higher degrees.
Nisar expressed the confidence that the Foreign Minister's visit would make a major contribution to the strengthening of Pakistan-Swedish relations. The Swedish Foreign Minister assured him Sweden's continued to support Pakistan in all fields, especially in enhancing commercial and economic ties and extending greater facilities to Pakistanis seeking to travel to Sweden for educational purposes.-PR