Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday emphasised that it is extremely important to have a blue print for the future of Afghanistan that would ensure its territorial integrity. A strategy to resolve the Afghan crisis should be such that it does not destabilise Pakistan side of the border, he said, adding, stability in Afghanistan means Pakistan's political and economic stability.
The prime minister was talking to Foreign Minister of Poland Radoslaw Sikorski, who called on him here at the PM Secretariat on Monday. The Polish Foreign Minister is in Pakistan for a bilateral visit as well as a representative of the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, Lady Catherine Ashton. Sikorski is familiar with Pakistan and Afghanistan from the days of the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan, when he had covered the war as a journalist embedded with the Mujahideen.
The prime minister said that it was in Pakistan's own interest to root out terrorism and not to please others. He further stated that terrorism is a global phenomenon, which can be countered effectively through co-operation of international community. Pakistan's role, he mentioned, can be more effective if the international partners in this war fulfil their commitments for economic support as well as helping to improve the capabilities and capacity of its security forces.
He also elaborated that Pakistan and the United States have enjoyed good defence and intelligence co-operation. Pakistan has shared intelligence to help trace high valued targets, he said, adding, but when time came to share the victory, Pakistan received only the blame. This has damaged the trust that would need to be bridged through sincere efforts and understanding of each other's expectations, he remarked.
He said that Pakistan is keenly looking forward to the next Pakistan-EU Summit that could be held in Islamabad, which he opined, would greatly facilitate in developing closer linkages with the European Union. He hoped that Poland would support Pakistan to attain GSP Plus (Generalised System of Preferences Plus) status and facilitation of market access for Pakistan's exports to EU.
While elaborating upon the efforts to further improve respect for human rights, the prime minister said that the government has created a special Ministry on Human Rights to specifically focus on all the relevant matters. The impression in the West that women and minorities are being targeted needs to be dispelled, he said and added terrorists and extremists do not make any distinction when they attack soft targets like girls schools, mosques and shrines. This only shows that they are on the run now, he remarked.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan's desire to maintain close friendly relations with all its neighbours. The recent Foreign Ministers level talks with India were positive, he said, adding, both sides recognised the importance of the dialogue process for peace and stability in the region.
As regards bilateral relations with Poland, the Prime Minister emphasised upon more high level visits and people to people contacts to build meaningful ties between the two countries. The Foreign Minister of Poland, who was accompanied by the Ambassador for the European Union and the Polish Ambassador, assured Pakistan of his country's support as well as of the EU during Poland Presidency.
The Polish Foreign Minister said that his country recognises that economic development was extremely important for Pakistan. Poland will support Pakistan's quest for GSP Plus leading up to a five-year agreement, he added. He said Pakistan is an essential ally, adding, Poland feels the pain that Pakistan faces in struggle against terrorism. The European Union and Poland shall continue to assist Pakistan in this campaign, he added.
The Foreign Minister of Poland said that it is heartening to note that Pakistan has decided to lift reservations for ratification to Human Rights Convention. The establishment of the Ministry of Human Rights would be a great step forward to focus upon on the related issues, he added. The Polish Foreign Minister said that the outcome of the Foreign Minister of Pakistan's visit to India was very impressive and would pave the way for further improving of understanding between the two countries.
Radoslaw Sikorski also extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Poland at his earliest convenience, which the Prime Minister accepted. The details of the visit would be mutually decided between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries. Ambassador of Poland in Pakistan Andrzej Ananicz, Ambassador of EU in Pakistan Lars Gunnar Wigemark, Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms Hina Rabbani Khar, Additional Secretary Foreign Affairs and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.