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EU, Pakistan establish counterterrorism body

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, June 5, IRNA -- Pakistan and the European Union have agreed to establish a joint body anti-terror body during their Strategic Dialogue launched in Islamabad on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry said.

The Pakistan side was led by Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and the European Union delegation was led by the EU Foreign Affairs and Security Chief, Catherine Ashton.

“In order to enhance the existing close cooperation on counter-terrorism, the two sides agreed to the establishment of a Pakistan-EU Steering Committee on Counterterrorism,” a joint statement said at the concluding of the talks.

“Pakistan and the EU reaffirmed their shared commitment to work together to combat terrorism. High Representative Ashton expressed appreciation for the enormous sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan in fighting terrorism and extremism, the statement said.

Earlier in her meeting with Prime Minister, Yusuf Raza Gilani, Lady Ashton said the world appreciates the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the war on terror.

She said that the EU wants to help Pakistan in dealing with its economic problems and in this regard co-operation in the fields of education, health, and infrastructure and lately in the energy sector would continue to aim at eradicating poverty, ignorance and disease which would greatly help in combating extremism and terrorism tendencies in the country.

The two sides expressed their deep satisfaction over the launching of the Strategic Dialogue, reflecting the comprehensive and forward looking nature of EU-Pakistan relations, the joint statement said.

The EU High Representative welcomed the steps Pakistan had taken in implementing its international human rights commitments in national laws in many important areas, including the rights of women, and the establishment of an independent Human Rights Commission. Both sides agreed to work closely in this regard.

Foreign Minister Khar and the EU High Representative held in-depth discussions on regional and international issues. They underlined the importance of peace, stability and security in Afghanistan and reaffirmed their support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation process, the statement said.

They also underscored the need for the sustained commitment of the international community during the transformation phase in Afghanistan, and agreed to continue working closely in this regard.

Foreign Minister Khar also briefed High Representative Ashton on the ongoing Pakistan-India peace process and the efforts made by Pakistan to normalize relations with India. Pakistan had reached out to its neighbours to create peace and prosperity in the region.

The EU High Representative also expressed support for the ongoing and result-oriented dialogue between Pakistan and India, including the significant progress on liberalizing trade.

The two sides agreed that the second round of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue would be held in Brussels at mutually convenient dates next year.

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Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 80168600