Pakistan has paid heavy financial and human cost in the war on terror as country's economy growth is plagued by increasing incidents of terrorism, said Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, Federal Minister for Defence here on Tuesday.
"The European Union and other friendly countries should come forward to provide Pakistan market access to help it grow at a faster pace", the Minister said while talking to French Ambassador to Pakistan, Daniel Jouanneu, who called on him at the Ministry of Defence.
During the meeting two sides underlined the need for closer co-operation in the fields of trade and defence. The minister sought French assistance in overcoming the energy crisis in Pakistan, saying that the country at present is facing acute energy shortage and needed support from friends to address this problem.
Ahmad Mukhtar reiterated Pakistan's resolve to continue fight against terrorism, saying that the fight against terrorism will go on till the menace was completely eliminated and terror network abolished. Highly professional, well trained and well-equipped Armed Forces of Pakistan have successfully defeated the terrorists in Swat-Malakand and are at present following them in Waziristan with determination, he maintained.
Speaking on the occasion, the French ambassador said that his country highly valued its ties with Pakistan and wanted to promote strategic partnership and expand bilateral co-operation with Pakistan. He said French leadership and parliament is eager to assist Pakistan in defence, trade, commerce, environment, water treatment, transportation and agriculture sectors. France had great admiration for the enormous sacrifices rendered by the Armed Forces of Pakistan in the war on terror.