Chairman of the European Union Military Committee calls on the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister

(2013-06-14)

Chairman of the European Union Military Committee (EUMC) General Patrick de Rousiers called on the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi today. Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani also participated in the deliberations, which covered the entire spectrum of Pakistan-EU bilateral relations.

The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister informed the Chairman of Pakistan’s intensified relations with the European Union following the first Strategic Dialogue in 2012. He also discussed the role of the European Union, which is Pakistan’s largest trading partner, key investor and development partner, in meeting the priorities of the new government. In this context, he highlighted the need for Pakistan’s inclusion in GSP Plus.

The Chairman discussed the expanding role of the EUMC and exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the situation in Afghanistan, including the post withdrawal scenario after 2014.

The EUMC is the highest military body within the European Council and consists of the Chiefs of Defence of the 27 EU member states.

Islamabad
14 June 2013

156/2013