Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that Pakistan attaches great importance to relations with the Netherlands, which is not only one of our important trade partners but also the 7th largest foreign investor in Pakistan, and a major partner in the area of development co-operation.
Talking to Bernard Bot, Foreign Minister of Netherlands, at the Prime Minister's House Tuesday, the Prime Minister said Pakistan has a strong interest in further strengthening relations with Netherlands, a press release said.
Matters relating to bilateral co-operation, national and international issues, Pakistan's role for peace in the region, defence and security matters and investment friendly climate in Pakistan came under discussion. On the Iranian nuclear issue, the Prime Minister said Pakistan is opposed to nuclear proliferation. However, Iran has a right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes under the IAEA safeguards.
He said Pakistan is in favour of a peaceful resolution of the issue through dialogue and is opposed to any coercive measures against Iran. The use of force against Iran will be catastrophic, the Prime Minister added.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan's commitment to peace process with India through a process of composite dialogue. He said Pakistan's suggestions of demilitarisation and self-governance in Kashmir can form the basis of a meaningful dialogue and concrete progress on the Kashmir issue. About defence and security issues, the Prime Minister said Pakistan wants to have minimum credible deterrence to maintain balance of power in the region.