A statement by the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Spokesman pointing to the decision by Pakistan said, "it is the first step in the plan approved by both governments aimed at standardizing economic relations by granting, in a spirit of reciprocity based on the current situation, the most-favored nation status to India". The spokesman said the normalization of trade relations represents a significant and positive step forward the political dialogue that was relaunched nearly a year ago between the two countries. "It paves the way toward strengthening economic relations between India and Pakistan, which in turn will ensure greater prosperity throughout the subcontinent," the spokesman added.