Visit of Danish Foreign Minister H.E. Villy Søvndal to Pakistan

(2012-06-13)

The Foreign Minister of Denmark H.E. Villy Søvndal visited Pakistan on 12-13th June 2012 to hold bilateral consultations with Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar.

The two sides discussed the broad range of Pakistan-Denmark relations including bilateral trade, investment, development assistance, cooperation in the renewable energy sector and human rights. Views were also exchanged on EU-Pakistan relations as well as on the situation in Afghanistan.

The two Foreign Ministers expressed their satisfaction on the current status of bilateral cooperation and underlined the importance of exploring ways and means to further expand and diversify the mutually beneficial relations particularly enhancing trade and investment. They also underscored the need to intensify political consultation between the two countries and to consider establishing additional institutional mechanisms in this regard.

Foreign Minister Khar congratulated Denmark on assuming the rotating presidency of the EU and thanked Denmark for its continued support for the Package of Autonomous Trade Preferences for Pakistan. She hoped that the package would be finalized and implemented soon. They also discussed GSP+ scheme. Foreign Minister SØvndal said that his country would continue supporting Pakistan’s efforts for inclusion in the scheme.

Foreign Minister Khar reiterated that the Government of Pakistan was committed to holding free and fair elections in accordance with the Constitution. Foreign Minister Søvndal commended the Government of Pakistan on its determination to develop and safeguard democracy.

The two Foreign Ministers also discussed Afghanistan and reiterated their commitment to a peaceful, stable and secure Afghanistan. They reaffirmed their support for an Afghan-led and an Afghan-owned reconciliation process. They also underscored the need for the sustained commitment for the International community during the transformation phase in Afghanistan and agreed to continue working closely in this regard.

Foreign Minister Khar informed the Danish Foreign Minister that Pakistan was fighting extremism and terrorism in its own national interest. Foreign Minister Søvndal expressed appreciation for enormous sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan in this regard and stressed the need for a common relentless effort in the fight against extremism and terrorism.

Earlier Foreign Minister Søvndal called on the Prime Minister and briefed him on Pakistan-Denmark bilateral relations.

Islamabad
June 13, 2012

0136/201