Rodoslaw Sikorski, Foreign Minister of Poland called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Monday. He was accompanied by Dr Andrzej Ananicz, Ambassador of Poland, Lars Gunnar Wigemark, Ambassador of European Union, and other officials of the Polish Embassy.
Pak side included Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister for Foreign Affairs, M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary-General to the President, Spokesman to the President Farhatullah Babar and other senior officials. Matters concerning Pak-Polish bilateral relations need to be further enhanced multifaceted. Moreover, bilateral co-operation especially in the economic realm also came under discussion during the meeting.
Congratulating Poland and its Government on assumption of presidency of European Union, the President wished them success during their presidency of European Union. Terming this period as extremely important for not only Pakistan-Poland relationship but also building a long-term strategic partnership between Pakistan and the European Union, the President hoped that the spirit of co-operation existing between the two countries would serve to translate into a concrete plan of action in building a strategic equation.
He emphasised upon the need for an early finalisation of Five-Year-Engagement Plan between Pakistan and European Union. The President also said that Pakistan looks forward to holding of Third Pakistan EU Summit this year so as to carry forward the momentum generated by the previous two summits on one hand and to further advance progress on building strategic partnership of the two countries, on the other.
The President said that Pakistan is facing economic difficulties mainly due to war against extremism and EU's trade package for Pakistan would help overcome economic difficulties before a revised GSP plus takes effect in 2014. Appreciating proposed revision of the GSP plus criterion, the President hoped that Pakistan would qualify for GSP plus status.
The President also emphasised upon early commencement of negotiations for EU-Pakistan Free-Trade Agreement. Discussing fight against terrorism, the President underscored sacrifices made by Pakistan and the huge human and material losses that Pakistan has to suffer. He said that the menace of terrorism is multi-dimensional and that Pakistan believes that political dialogue and socio-economic development are no less important for fighting it.
The President said that Pakistan's response to this menace in the areas that have been worst hit by militancy and extremism is to undertake development projects with special focus on education and development to marginalise the extremists in the area. He said that a long-term sustainable development plan for tribal areas has also been prepared to bring in socio-economic development of the region and to create opportunities for the local community.
Discussing regional situation, the President reiterated Pakistan's desire for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and its abiding interest in promoting long-term stability, security, good governance and economic development of Afghanistan. Rodoslaw Sikorski thanked the President for warm welcome and assured that Polish Government continues assistance to Pakistan in pleading its case at EU forum. Rodoslaw Sikorski also acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan's role in the fight against extremism.-PR