World

France, Pakistan to work more closely

France and Pakistan agreed to work towards closer bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

August 03, 2010

PARIS: In a meeting that reviewed bilateral relations between France and Pakistan in detail, President Asif Ali Zardari and his French counterpart Nicholas Sarkozy agreed on Monday to work towards closer bilateral cooperation between the two countries, with special focus on market access, the energy sector and efforts against terrorism.

Kicking off President Zardari’s European tour, the meeting at the picturesque Elysee Palace saw the leaders initiate a framework for strategic dialogue.

The two sides also agreed to form a joint economic commission to boost their economic and trade ties. President Zardari said that Pakistan attaches great importance to relations with France and stressed comprehensive up-gradation of bilateral ties – particularly on the economic front.

President Zardari also stressed the need for expansion of defence and security ties and said that it would help the country in its ongoing military operation against terrorists. Besides reviewing bilateral relations, the two also discussed the role Pakistan was playing against terrorism as well as the efforts to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan, and the region.

Sarkozy reaffirmed his support to democracy in Pakistan and appreciated the progress the country has made in this regard. The French president emphasised the need for Pakistan to continue its efforts against terrorist groups, underscoring France’s readiness to enhance cooperation in this effort. President Sarkozy noted the huge sacrifices that Pakistan’s security forces and its people have rendered to make the region and the world a safer place to live in.

President Zardari apprised his French counterpart about the areas in which the two sides can cooperate – pointing out that there was a vast scope for investment in renewable energy.

Earlier, President Zardari was received by his counterpart at the Elysee Palace and presented a guard of honour.

President Zardari also appreciated France’s positive role in the Friends of Democratic Pakistan forum.

He said his country was eagerly looking forward to President Sarkozy’s visit to Pakistan and added it would help expand their multifaceted bilateral relationship.

President Sarkozy also expressed grief over the recent plane crash and the deaths due to heavy flooding in parts of Pakistan. Later President Zardari in a brief chat with reporters said: “President Sarkozy promised to visit Pakistan soon and we will welcome him there.”

Zardari was accompanied by Minister for Defence Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 3^rd, 2010.

COMMENTS (5)

Hanif Tayyab | 14 years ago | Reply France promises to expedite payments it pledged at Friends of Democratic Pakistan forum, both countries on Tuesday agreed to set up of a ‘Joint Economic Commission’ for closer cooperation in food, agriculture, economic development and large-scale training of nurses. The decision was taken during a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, who met Zardari prior to his departure for London. The two sides agreed to hold the first meeting of the commission in October in Islamabad, while subsequent meetings will be held alternatively at both the capitals. France assured Pakistan that it would expedite the payment of money it had pledged during the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP) forum. The president also informed the French foreign minister of the death and destruction caused by the floods and the need for international assistance to help Pakistan. He too has decided and asked for an enterprise with Sarkozy, so as to discuss the working of a planned system. President Zardari had reportedly discussed about the same, during his last visit to France. This is his second visit to France in 14 months. He emphasized on the need to have a forceful support for a partisan entrée to the EU markets together with the buildup of a ministerial-level Joint Economic Commission.He also said that the two countries were in a need to intensify the level of political understanding, which was possible only if they enabled Parliamentary exchanges.

Syed A. Mateen | 14 years ago | Reply More Pakistani should be inducted in FIA/Interpol who are well versed in French language. This will be the key to joint cooperation between Paris and Islamabad in jointly fighting against terrorism and sharing intelligence between the two countries.

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ShahzadA | 14 years ago | Reply Wasn't it France and Britian that played with the Arabs and Turks to get rid of The Otoman Empire and to put "democracy" in place?

Sultan Ahmed. | 14 years ago | Reply The whole world admit the Pakistani role played and being played in war on terror,American also appreciate Pakistani struggle in this connection. During the president Zardari's visit to France,french leader noted huge sacrifices that Pakistani security forces and its people to make rendered to make the region and the world to safe place to live in. On the contrary,what the viewpoint came before us,it too complicated and afraid to understand, now being said that he is outspoken,wrong he is not outspoken he irresponsible.He in fact discarded all sacrifices rendered by the people and the Pakistani armed forces. It mean we have made a mistake and being mistaken becoming your ally against the war on terror. The remarks given during the Indian visit by UK prime minister Mr Camron should apologize before the storm of protest on behalf of the people of Pakistan take start. All the political parties in Pakistan are assembling on the remarks wrongly ststed by French president Mr.Camron.

Shahzada | 14 years ago | Reply Sarkozy says, " Only God can help you people..."

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