Pakistan and Italy announced their opposition to Indian ambition for a permanent seat in United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday. "We do not believe that the number of permanent seats in the UNSC should be increased, reforms should be democratic and we do not support Indian aspirations for a permanent seat," said Franco Frattni, the visiting Italian Foreign Minister while addressing a joint press briefing with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi here at Foreign Office.
Pakistan and Italy are members of the United for Consensus (UfC) formed in 2005 which supports five permanent members of the UNSC and proposes raising the number of non-permanent members to 20. Other three UfC member countries are Argentina, Canada and Colombia.
While expressing Islamabad's concerns over US President Barack Obama's recent announcement backing Indian ambition for permanent seat of UNSC, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi referred to a Cabinet resolution expressing concerns adopted on Tuesday and said "I am positive that President Asif Ali Zardari would raise the matter with Chinese authorities."
Earlier in the day the two foreign ministers held bilateral talks and agreed to expand their existing relations particularly in defence, energy and other development sectors, besides enhancing efforts to fight terrorism.
The Italian Foreign Minister also held a meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and discussed various issues, including defence.
Referring to terrorism, the Italian Foreign Minister said it is an international threat and all countries, including Europe is under threat, therefore, international community should fight this menace jointly.
About the reconciliation process in Afghanistan, the Italian Foreign Minister said, "Italy will support the process and only those Taliban who are willing to reject violence, stop terrorism and respect the constitution and local laws will be part of the reconciliation process." Referring to Pak-EU trade co-operation, the Italian Foreign Minister said, "We support the negotiations for Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and EU" adding that Pakistan needs more access to European Union markets.
Franco Frattni paid special attention to 'blasphemy laws' and said that he was glad to know that the law cannot be misused against any of the religious minorities particularly Christians. About Kashmir issue, the Italian Foreign Minister said, "Yes, it is a problem for Pakistan and needs to be addressed. And it is in Indian interest as well to have good relations with Pakistan".
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi shared the issues taken up by the two sides during their meeting and said Italy and Pakistan are working closely on many international issues. We have agreed to promote cultural activities and will hold a joint cultural event 'from Milan to Multan' to promote soft image of Pakistan.
He said both Pakistan and Italy had unanimity of views on the expansion in the Security Council on the basis of regional representation. He said Pakistan wanted to have comprehensive, democratic and representative expansion in the Security Council.
Foreign Minister Qureshi said we have shared a number of opportunities and in energy sector 17 opportunities are available for Italian investment. He thanked Italy for its financial support and assistance in Friends of Democratic Pakistan forum and its efforts during the negotiations to provide greater access to Pakistani textile products in European markets.
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