News
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Pakistan values ties with Sweden, France: Zardari* French, Swedish envoys pay farewell calls on president, PM
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari, on Monday, said that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with France and Sweden and hoped that the two countries would continue supporting Pakistan’s bid for greater access to the European market.
He was talking to Sweden’s Ambassador Ulrika Sundberg and France’s Ambassador Daniel Jouanneau Paul Henry, who separately paid farewell calls on him at the presidency.
The president expressed the hope that the pace of cooperation in various areas, especially economy, would be further accelerated in the days ahead.
He highlighted Pakistan’s geo-strategic location for regional stability and peace and said that the country was undergoing a crucial phase of fighting and neutralising militant mindset by focusing on socio-economic development of the people.
He said that Pakistan’s plea for more trade than aid was aimed at creating new economic opportunities for the un-employed and disgruntled youth so as to defeat militancy.
He expressed gratitude to them on behalf of the people of Pakistan for their valuable services and contributions, especially at a time when natural calamities had added to the difficulties of people already suffering the burden of ongoing fight against terrorists.
The president also appreciated their experience in the field of diplomacy and wished them success in their future lives. He also lauded their valuable services for further strengthening bilateral relations of Pakistan with their respective countries.
Ambassador Ulrika Sundberg and Daniel Jouanneau assured their countries would continue to support the people of Pakistan in their quest for better future and security.
Meanwhile, in a separate meeting with the two envoys at the PM House, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani urged further improvement in Pakistan’s trade and investment ties with Sweden and France in the days ahead.
The prime minister appreciated the support being extended by Sweden and France to Pakistan in the European Union and within the framework of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP). He appreciated the ambassadors for their concrete contributions in deepening ties of their respective countries with Pakistan.
The ambassadors reiterated full support of their countries for greater market access for Pakistan, as well as partnership to enhance Pakistan’s capacity in different sectors.
Talking to the French ambassador, the prime minister recalled his official visit to France in May this year, his meetings with the French leadership and the decisions taken to further strengthen bilateral relations.
The French ambassador said a trade delegation led by the French trade minister was expected to visit Pakistan in the near future to further look into possibilities of augmenting bilateral trade and the French investments in Pakistan.
He also appreciated Pakistan’s positive role in bringing about peace and stability in Afghanistan, and for efforts towards normalising its relations with India.
The Swedish ambassador apprised the prime minister of efforts towards enhancing Pakistan’s trade with Sweden during her tenure in Pakistan. She said that the FODP was an important forum and Sweden would continue supporting its activities to promote this as a vehicle for strengthening mutual friendships and long-term partnerships.
The prime minister wished the two ambassadors well in their future endeavours. He expressed the hope that they would continue working for building further bridges between Pakistan and their respective countries. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk