Secretary General NATO calls on the President
(2009-01-22)
The NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer who is on a two-day visit to Islamabad called on the President of Pakistan today.
During the call, Pakistan’s growing ties with NATO as well as an exchange of views on important regional and global issues of importance were taken up. The President underlined that Pakistan and NATO shared common views and were closely cooperating on promoting peace and stability in our region. Pakistan desires to strengthen its cooperation with NATO in this regard. The President also appreciated NATO’s role in maintaining international peace and security in different parts of the world.
The President apprised the NATO Secretary General of the Government’s multi-pronged strategy to defeat extremism and terrorism and in this context highlighted the need for greater cooperation with Pakistan. He also apprised the Secretary General of Pakistan’s growing relations and cooperation with Afghanistan and its offers of cooperation to India in the aftermath of Mumbai incident.
The NATO Secretary General deeply appreciated Pakistan’s stand against terrorism and extremism and the farsighted policy adopted by the present government. He expressed NATO’s keen desire to augment relations with Pakistan in the interest of peace and stability of the region. He also expressed understanding for Pakistan’s stand on the Mumbai incident and the need for both countries to cooperate closely in the investigations of the incident.
Islamabad
22 January 2009