Pakistan, EU to ink strategic pact

Foreign minister leaves for Brussels to sign the agreement

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Sunday that Pakistan and the European Union (EU) have agreed on a strategic plan after a series of talks and it would be signed on June 25.

“I will sign the agreement with EU’s [high representative for foreign affairs and security policy] Federica Mogherini. It will pave the way for long-term cooperation between Pakistan and the EU,” the minister said before leaving for a three-day visit to Brussels.

“Pakistan and the EU have a longstanding and strong relationship. We have helped each other in several and now we plan to give a new direction to our ties,” he added. “This [the strategic plan] is a really good development.”

During his tour, the foreign minister will also visit the NATO headquarters and meet its general secretary. Besides, Qureshi will meet and address the Pakistani community in Brussels.

“Pakistan has been cooperating with NATO and we extended unprecedented assistance to the US and NATO forces in matters related to Afghanistan,” the minister said.

“We have played a key role in the war against terrorism and NATO has acknowledged that fact. We believe that our relationship with NATO in defence and security matters should continue.”

Ties with Qatar

Earlier on Saturday, Qureshi said Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s visit to Pakistan would open new avenues for bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, APP reported.

In a meeting with Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, the foreign minister said both the countries enjoyed brotherly relations and Pakistan gave special importance to its ties with Qatar.

The foreign minister said more than 150,000 Pakistanis were playing their part in Qatar's progress. “Pakistanis based in Qatar are also playing the role of a bridge between the two countries,” he added.

Qureshi said Qatar was also helping Pakistan to tackle the energy crisis. The trade volume between the two countries has reached above $2.5 billion with a gradual increase in the recent past.

The Qatari deputy prime minister said his country was interested in investing in Pakistan.