The European Union is willing to deal with Pakistan's request for 'GSP Plus' qualification within the context of the WTO rules since the room for manoeuvrability is wide, EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy and European Council head Javier Solana said. Addressing the press after a luncheon meeting with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Tuesday at the European Council secretariat, Solana described the occasion as renewal of important contact with the Pakistani Premier.
He said the dialogue covered economic, trade and strategic issues in a frank and constructive manner.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, echoing Solana, said we have agreed on modalities in the context of our bilateral relations. We are only seeking a level playing field in the context of trade so that a vibrant relationship can be developed. He said EU's response to our proposals has been constructive and also supportive within the context of the WTO.
Further, the Prime Minister said Pakistan and EU have supported each other in different ways on global and regional issues. He said Pakistan was looking for more help to generate economic growth and would like to contribute to make the world more peaceful and prosperous. He said Pakistani community in Europe is contributing in various ways.
The issue of democracy in Pakistan and the role it is playing to bring about regional stability in the context of Afghanistan as well as the composite dialogue underway with India were also discussed between the Prime Minister and Javier Solana.
Earlier, the Prime Minister held a separate meeting with EU Trade Commission Peter Mandelson to discuss Pakistan's trading equation with the EU based on 'GSP Plus' scheme and how its textile exports would be affected after abolishment of quotas.
The Prime Minister pressed for a level playing field and dwelt on the strong credentials that qualifies Pakistan for 'GSP Plus' scheme.
In an eloquent presentation, Premier Aziz said that the EU member states need to recognise Pakistan's pivotal role in the fight against terrorism and drugs and there were a host of sound and strong reasons for EU commission to support Pakistan's request.
Peter Mandelson made flattering remarks about Pakistan's outstanding role in bringing about world peace and reorganised its strategic position.
The EU has decided to upgrade its relationship with Pakistan to the third level and engage Pakistan at an institutional level by establishing a joint EU-Pakistan Ministerial Commission.
The first meeting between the Pakistani foreign minister and EU external minister will take place soon.
The EU will also provide financial assistance to Pakistan under a four-year programme aimed at promoting social sectors inclusive of health, education and women empowerment.
Pakistan has also asked the EU to help in developing Saarc through creation of an institutional linkage between EU and Saarc. It was strongly felt that Saarc can benefit from the EU experiences and practices in terms of funding and human resources.
Earlier, during the meeting with EU Commission on External Relations the issue of readmission was discussed. It was agreed that any agreement will not be of retrospective nature and Pakistan recognises the European concerns and sensitivity on the issue.
It was said that stateless persons need to be delt separately and European states must have individual member yearly quotas for their settlement.
The Prime Minister informed the European's that there were 5.5 million aliens, comprising of Afghans, Bangladeshis, Iranians, Burmese and Kurds getting shelter in Pakistan.
The readmission agreement should, therefore, not create any fresh problems for Pakistan. The European side made it very clear that there would be no linkage between readmission agreement, qualification of 'GSP Plus' scheme and suspension of duties on Pakistan textile goods.