The Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Mirek Topolanek called on the President here on Wednesday. The President also hosted a lunch in honour of the Czech Prime Minister. The Czech Prime Minister held wide ranging discussions with the President of Pakistan on bilateral matters as well as on regional and global issues of common interest.
The President of Pakistan underlined the historic nature and importance of the visit since this was the first ever visit of a Czech Prime Minister to Pakistan.
The President also stressed on the need for both countries to enter in to a higher level of co-operation bilaterally in diverse fields, such as trade, energy, defence, cultural exchanges and co-operation in the international fora. The President also thanked the Czech Prime Minister for his country's involvement in the relief and rehabilitation of the earthquake affected areas in October 2005.
The Czech Prime Minister warmly reciprocated these sentiments and stressed that the Czech Republic was equally desirous of further strengthening its relationship with Pakistan in diverse fields.
The situation in the region, particularly in Afghanistan and Pak-India relations was discussed. The Czech Prime Minister applauded Pakistan's prominent role in bringing about regional peace and stability through its efforts to improve relations with India and promoting stability and reconstruction in Afghanistan. He also extolled Pakistan's important role in fighting terrorism and extremism.
The President of Pakistan briefed the Czeck Prime Minister on Pakistan's efforts to seek greater market access within the European Union. Pakistan in fact was seeking greater trade not aid. Market access for Pakistan would enable it to sustain its current economic growth and alleviate poverty and unemployment. This would also help Pakistan in its efforts to check the root causes of extremism and terrorism, which lay in poverty and deprivation.
The Czech Prime Minister expressed full understanding for Pakistan's position and said that the Czech Republic would strongly support Pakistan's endeavours in this regard.
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