Islamabad, 01 Aug, 2011: Mr. Rodoslaw Sikorski, Foreign Minister of Poland, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.

 

He was accompanied by Dr. Andrzej Ananicz, Ambassador of Poland, Mr. Lars Gunnar Wigemark, Ambassador of European Union, and other officials of the Polish Embassy.

 

Pak side included Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President, Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar and other senior officials.

 

Matters concerning Pak-Poland bilateral relations, need to further enhance multifaceted bilateral cooperation especially in the economic realm came under discussion during the meeting.

 

Congratulating Poland and its Government on assumption of presidency of European Union, the President wished them success during their presidency of European Union.  Terming this period as extremely important for not only Pakistan–Poland relationship but also for building a long-term strategic partnership between Pakistan and the European Union, the President hoped that the spirit of cooperation existing between the two countries would serve to  translate into a concrete plan of action in building a strategic equation.  He emphasized upon the need for an early finalization of Five-Year Engagement Plan between Pakistan and European Union. The President also said that Pakistan looks forward  to holding of Third Pakistan EU Summit this year so to carry forward the momentum generated by the previous two summits on one hand and to further advance progress on building strategic partnership of the two countries, on the other.

 

The President said that Pakistan was facing economic difficulties mainly due to war against extremism and EU’s trade package for Pakistan would help to overcome economic difficulties before a revised GSP plus takes effect in 2014. Appreciating proposed revision of the GSP plus criterion, the President hoped that Pakistan would qualify for GSP plus status.

 

 The President also emphasized upon early commencement of negotiations for EU-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement.

 

Discussing fight against terrorism, the President underscored sacrifices made by Pakistan and the huge losses that Pakistan had to face in terms of human and material losses. He said that the menace of terrorism was multi-dimensional and that Pakistan believes that political dialogue and socio-economic development were no less important for fighting it. The President said that Pakistan’s response to this menace in the areas that have been worst hot by militancy and extremism was to undertake development projects with special focus on education and development to marginalize the extremists in the area. He said that a long term sustainable development plan for tribal areas has also been prepared to bring in socio-economic development of the region and to create opportunities for the local community.

 

Discussing regional situation, the President reiterated Pakistan’s desire for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and its abiding interest in promoting long-term stability, security, good governance and economic development of Afghanistan.

 

The President said that Pakistan desires to have friendly, cooperative and good neighbourly relations with all the neighbours and believes that it is time to resolve all outstanding issues peacefully in a just manner. He said that we believe in policy of constructive and result-oriented engagement to resolve all issues will all as the dialogue was the only way forward.

 

The President also reiterated Pakistan’s invitation to Polish leadership to visit Pakistan so that the political interactions are promoted and strengthened between the two countries.

 

Mr. Rodoslaw Sikorski thanked the President for warm welcome and assured that Polish Government continues assistance to Pakistan in pleading its case at EU forum. Mr. Rodoslaw Sikorski also acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s role in the fight against extremism.