President Mamnoon Hussain on Friday hailed the role of European Union for strengthening democracy and democratic institutions in Pakistan. The President was talking to Member of the European Parliament and Vice President of Parliamentary Development Committee, Nirj Deva, who called on him here on Friday.
The President said that Pakistan valued its relations with the European Union and wanted to further strengthen it. The President said the five-year engagement plan between Pakistan and European Union in 2012 had provided new avenues of co-operation in various fields.
He said that Pakistan wanted good relations with its neighbours and international community and had special importance in its foreign policy with its relations with Afghanistan, India, China and Iran. The President said that Pakistan started a new phase of its relations with Afghanistan and wanted serious, durable and result-oriented talks with India on all issues including Kashmir. The President told Nirj Deva that Pakistan supported the UN Security Council efforts for resolution of the Palestine issue. He said that Pakistan had started operation 'Zarb-e-Azb' for elimination of terrorists in FATA, which was going on successfully, adding that the government was taking all steps for rehabilitation of the IDPs. The President said the member countries of the European Union were playing important role in investment field and the UK, Germany, Italy and Holland were the greatest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Pakistan. He said the trade volume between Pakistan and the EU was $11 billion, which needed further boost, adding the inclusion of Pakistan in GSP plus would be proved significant for managing economic difficulties and creating job opportunities.