Pakistan-GCC issue Joint Statement on Strategic Dialogue

(2011-03-08)

Pakistan and the GCC countries issued a press statement on the conclusion of the First Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, today. The press statement underscored that the Strategic Dialogue constituted a “momentous step forward” to forge a “comprehensive partnership for peace, progress and development”.

According to the press statement, Pakistan and GCC agreed to hold annual meetings of the Strategic Dialogue at Foreign Ministers level. They also expressed the determination to conclude Free Trade negotiations between Pakistan and the GCC as soon as possible. They stressed on the full implementation of the Framework Agreement for Economic Cooperation.

Pakistan and GCC reviewed the global and regional situation and agreed to intensify consultation, coordination and cooperation at the regional and global levels.

The GCC countries reiterated full support for the security, stability and development of Pakistan and expressed solidarity with the people of Pakistan. GCC countries welcomed the resumption of the dialogue between Pakistan and India on all issues, especially on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and underscored that dialogue was the only way forward.

On the sidelines of the Pakistan-GCC Strategic Dialogue, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar had a detailed meeting with H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of UAE.

The two Ministers expressed satisfaction over the existing close fraternal relations between the two countries. With regard to the Pakistan-GCC Strategic Dialogue, they underscored that the launching of the GCC-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, would help strengthen further relations between Pakistan and the GCC.

The two Ministers exchanged views on issues of bilateral interest including UAE investments and development projects in Pakistan, the regional situation with particular focus on Afghanistan and Pakistan-India relations. Sheikh Abdullah assured Minister of State Hina Rabbani Khar of his country’s continued support to Pakistan.

Islamabad,
08 March, 2011

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