Pakistan and France on Tuesday agreed to further increase bilateral cooperation in different fields, including education, health, economy and energy sectors.
Addressing a joint press conference, French President Francoise Hollande and President Asif Ali Zardari, following their talks at Elysee Palace – the official residence of the President of France – said that they had discussed the regional situation and ways to increase cooperation between the two countries.
President Zardari said he held very useful and constructive discussions with President Hollande and discussed bilateral issues and cooperation in many fields. President Zardari said Pakistan and France were close allies, and expressed hope that cooperation and coordination between them would continue to remain as cordial in the future as it had in the past.
Apprising President Hollande about the state of education in Pakistan, President Zardari said the country was making efforts to provide equal opportunities of education to both boys and girls to provide the youth a chance to become educated and lead a sustainable life.
President Hollande said talks with his counterpart were cordial and encouraging. He said they discussed cooperation in the fields of education, health, defence and economy. Replying to a question on cooperation in the energy sector, President Hollande claimed France would extend its full support to Pakistan to meet its energy requirements. He added there were also discussions on future of Afghanistan and the need to tackle terrorism and drug trafficking. He also highlighted Pakistan’s role in the stability and security of the region.
“We are committed towards democracy and working against the threat of terrorism,” President Zardari added.
Hollande hails Malala
President Hollande also hailed peace icon Malala Yousafzai as a global emblem of the thirst for knowledge.
He said the 15-year-old was the “symbol of a young girl who fought for access to knowledge and education,” adding, “We all share Malala’s spirit.”
Speaking on Malala Yousafzai, President Zardari said every child had the right to acquire education. “Every child, every Malala, has a right to education,” he told President Hollande.
Meeting with Prince Karim
Meanwhile, Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, also called on President Asif Ali Zardari.
He congratulated the president and the government of Pakistan for organising the high-profile “Stand Up For Malala” event along with UNESCO at its headquarters in Paris on Monday to promote education in Pakistan and around the world.
President Zardari appreciated the services of Prince Karim across the world, particularly for Pakistanis, in the education sector, eradication of poverty, uplift of the poor, women empowerment and socio-economic development through various projects.
President Zardari also extended an invitation to Prince Karim to visit Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 12th, 2012.
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"President Zardari said Pakistan and France were close allies," +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Now substitute the name of any country that Zardari is visiting and insert in place of France:)
What? No French announcement of helping run Pakistan Railways? +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I thought that was the main theme of Zardari visits these days.
“Every child, every Malala, has a right to education,” he told President Hollande."" +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Poor President Hollande. couldnt believe his ears!