Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar’s Meeting with the European Union Ambassadors in Islamabad

(2013-02-27)

Foreign Minister Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar met the resident European Union Ambassadors in Islamabad today.

Foreign Minister Khar stated that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with the EU which has contributed significantly in the socio-economic development in Pakistan. Talking about the generous assistance by the EU during the natural calamities especially the 2010 floods in Pakistan, she said that the EU was a true friend of Pakistan. She extended her appreciation for the approval of the Autonomous Trade Preferences (ATPs) by the EU in the aftermath of floods and underscored the importance of Pakistan’s inclusion in the GSP Plus scheme for greater market access to the EU.

She also apprised the EU Ambassadors of the steps taken by the democratic Government in Pakistan especially for the promotion and protection of Human Rights especially of women and minorities.

Foreign Minister Khar also apprised the ambassadors of efforts made by the present Government to improve relations with neighbouring countries, including Afghanistan and India. This regional pivot was based on the widely held political consensus and consequently, Pakistan had been single mindedly focusing on improving relations with not only its immediate neighbours but also with all central Asian countries.

Islamabad
27 February 2013

050/2013