Chairman Senate Farooq H. Naek has said Pakistan and France have traditionally enjoyed close friendly relations, which would be strengthened further in days to come. He was talking to the French Ambassador in Pakistan Daniel Jouanneau who called on him at the Parliament House Wednesday.
"The two countries have identified (common) views on many regional and global issues. Pakistan appreciates French assistance and co-operation in many fields especially in social sector development, which is instrumental in improving quality of life of the people," he observed.
Chairman Senate underlined the need for closer interaction between the Parliaments of the two countries and frequency of in parliamentary delegations' visit. He said more frequent exchange of the delegations would help study and understand each other's system and this would in turn promote better understanding between the countries, the governments and people.
Naek said Pakistan and France traditionally enjoy close and cordial relations and President Asif Ali Zardari's visit to France has helped a great deal to further consolidate these relations. Chairman Senate lauded the support of France during the colossal and devastating earthquake of 2005 and in rehabilitation of IDPs in Swat and Malakand.
He also commended the role of France in the forum of Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP) and called for further active support of France for market access of Pakistani goods to the markets of European Union. The government and people of Pakistan are eagerly looking forward to President Sarkozi's visit to Pakistan scheduled for this year, he said.
Reciprocating, the French envoy lauded the services rendered by Pakistan in the war on terror and efforts to curb extremism and terrorism. He said Pakistan had made significant contribution in this regard. France valued its relations with Pakistan which was an important country of the region, he said.