ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan and the European Union (EU) have agreed to continue cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism, security, defence, disarmament and non-proliferation.
The seventh meeting of Pakistan-EU Joint Commission held here Wednesday welcomed the holding of the second Dialogue on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, as well as the fifth round of the Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in April 2016 in Brussels.
The Pakistan side was jointly led by Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry and Secretary Economic Affairs Division Tariq Bajwa whereas the EU delegation was led by Gunnar Wiegand, Managing Director of the European External Action Service.
The two sides appreciated the continued strengthening of the Pakistan-EU relations and expressed satisfaction at the progress made in the implementation of the Pakistan-EU 5-year Engagement Plan, including the holding of the Third Pakistan-EU Political Dialogue and the Strategic Dialogue in Brussels earlier this year.
The two sides welcomed the decision to further elevate their mutually beneficial partnership under the new Strategic Engagement Plan.
Every effort will be made to finalize the new plan by the middle of 2017, for approval by the next Pakistan-EU Summit.
The European Union side reiterated its strong support for the democratic institutions, electoral reforms in time for the next elections, rule of law, human rights, economic development and poverty reduction in Pakistan, in accordance with national plans and priorities.
The meeting discussed the economic reform programme of the Government of Pakistan and the EU welcomed the progress made in this respect.
Both sides recognized the importance of mutual cooperation in the field of energy. They welcomed the agreement to hold a first EU-Pakistan energy meeting in January 2017 in Brussels, to strengthen cooperation and exchange of information.
They also agreed to further cooperate on migration issues including irregular migration, and reaffirmed their commitment to the continued implementation of the EU-Pakistan Readmission Agreement.
The European Union acknowledged the challenges faced by Pakistan in hosting over 3 million refugees and is ready to consider providing additional support including for their voluntary repatriation to Afghanistan in safety and dignity.
The cooperation on science, technology and higher education were also discussed.
Reports were submitted to the Joint Commission by the three subgroups on (i) Trade (ii) Governance and Human Rights and (iii) Development Cooperation.
On trade, there was an agreement to work on strengthening trade and investment relations, including making full use of the potential provided by GSP Plus, and removing impediments.
