Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri has met with EU Commissioner for External Relations Ms. Benita Ferrero-Waldner on the fringes of an international conference in Hamburg, according to an official statement. Kasuri told her that EU is biggest export market for Pakistan and there is lot of investment from EU into Pakistan. The Foreign Minister said that Pakistan wants to enhance its trade with EU and start negotiation on FTA. He emphasised the need for level playing field in trade for Pakistan. The EU Commissioner said that EU wants to further enhance its relations with Pakistan and increased its financial support for Pakistan. She said that EU intends a serious dialogue with Pakistan regarding trade and as a first step a meeting of the sub-group on trade will be held during the current year between Pakistan and EU. She expressed her hope it will open more avenues for further cooperation. She said that Pakistan was playing an important role in the fight against terrorism. She emphasised the need for more cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Ferrero-Waldner expressed her thanks to Pakistan for its efforts to host a regional conference on Afghanistan. She said that EU will provide more development aid for NWFP and Balochistan as a part of over all development assistance. The Foreign Minister briefed the EU Commissioner about the progress on composite dialogue between India and Pakistan. He said that both the countries are committed to resolve all outstanding issues including Kashmir. Ferrero-Waldner hoped that a constructive approach in the dialogue will help to achieve peace in the region. She also expressed her thanks for Pakistan s role to invite EU as an observer of SAARC during 2006 Summit in India. The Foreign Minister appreciated the assistance provided by EU for the rehabilitation of victims of October 2005 earthquake in northern Pakistan.
