Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos called on President Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday. He is the first ever Spanish foreign minister to visit Pakistan.
President Musharraf appreciated the prompt and substantial support provided by the Spanish government for the victims of October 8 earthquake, including the largest contingent of around 400 personnel of the Nato Rapid Reaction Force, and the assistance provided for subsequent rehabilitation efforts.
He underlined that the publication of sacrilegious cartoons had offended and hurt every Muslim in the world. He emphasised the need for promoting interfaith harmony since both Pakistan and Spain were uniquely placed to play an important role in enhancing understanding between Islam and the West.
The Spanish foreign minister regretted the incident, which had caused great anguish to so many people around the world and underscored that freedom of expression should not be used "irresponsibly". Nothing that some European countries did not handle the issue properly, he agreed with the need to work together for promoting interfaith harmony.
The President highlighted the need for further expanding bilateral co-operation in different fields, especially economic, defence and technological co-operation. He invited Spain to participate in the "Expo 2006" trade fair in Karachi.
The Spanish minster briefed the President on Spain's current foreign policy particularly Asia, saying that Spain appreciated Pakistan's strategic importance and was keen to build co-operation with Pakistan in all fields.
President Musharraf and Spanish Foreign Minister Moritanos also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest, including Pakistan-India relations and Afghanistan.
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