French Foreign Secretary calls on PM
ISLAMABAD, April 12 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said on Tuesday that Pakistan highly valued its cordial ties with France and considered it an important partner in Europe. He hoped that France, being one of the main trading partners of Pakistan in Europe, would continue to support Pakistan’s case in the European Union for greater market access through WTO waiver, GSP Plus trade concessions and for the start of negotiations on Pakistan-EU free trade agreement.
The Prime Minister was talking to Secretary General of French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Pierre Sellal, who called on him here at the PM House.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan would welcome France’s participation in the regional connectivity projects involving Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia.
He hoped that the French corporate sector would avail the lucrative investment incentives of Pakistan to enter into joint ventures and invest directly in energy, infrastructure, transportation, water and sanitation sectors.
The Prime Minister informed the French Secretary General that he had already approved the formation of Pakistan-France Joint Business Council between the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and MEDEF - a trade association of French entrepreneurs - which he believed can play a vital role in bringing the corporate sectors of the two countries ever closer.
Gilani said he was keenly looking forward to his visit to France next month. He urged both the sides to work in collaboration to make the visit substantive, productive and meaningful.
The Prime Minister expressed the hope that the text of Joint Declaration on Economic Partnership encompassing areas of trade, assistance, investment, defence and security cooperation agreement to streamline closer ties between the two friendly countries would be finalized in time for the visit.
Gilani said that he would like to have an extensive interaction with the French leadership, including the President, the Prime Minister and the Chairman of Senate of France as well as French business and media leaders during his visit.
The Prime Minister said that the visit would give him an opportunity to discuss the all matters of mutual interests as well as cooperation in education and cultural fields.
Secretary General of the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Pierre Sellal thanked the Prime Minister for the meeting and expressed satisfaction over his ongoing deliberations in Islamabad, particularly with the view for preparation of the Prime Minister’s visit to Paris next month.
Pierre Sellal appreciated Pakistan’s crucial role in figthing terrorism and the great sacrifices made by Pakistan’s civilians, armed forces and law enforcement agencies in their campaign for the safety and security of world at large.
He reaffirmed the French government’s complete commitment to counter terrorism and the resolve to standby Pakistan in achieving the shared goals of both the countries.
He assured the Prime Minister that his side would arrange a comprehensive programme of his visit to France in the first week of May, which would include meetings with the political leadership of France, the Parliamentarians and media people.
He also assured the Prime Minister of French support to Pakistan’s case in WTO for EU concession package as well as for GSP Plus facility and FTA in the future.
French Ambassador to Pakistan Daniel Jouanneau, Secretaries Foreign Affairs and Commerce and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.