Govt determined to strengthen democractic institutions: PM
ISLAMABAD, April 27 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday reiterated that his government was determined to strengthen democratic institutions in the country. Talking to a European Union’s parliamentary delegation, which called on him at the PM House here, the Prime Minister said democracy would help mainstream the people vulnerable to extremists’ influences and tendencies. He hoped that the European Union would continue to lend its support to Pakistan for further consolidation of the democratic process and for building the capacity of the legislative bodies and mechanisms in the country. The Prime Minister thanked the EU for its assistance of Euro 362 million for the flood relief efforts of his government.
He apprised the European Parliamentary delegation that his government was now focusing on the early recovery phase for the rehabilitation of agriculture, health, education, water sanitation and housing sectors in the flood affected areas.
He expressed the hope that important partners like EU and its member states would continue to remain engaged with Pakistan to help overcome the affects of last year’s devastating natural calamity.
The Prime Minister sought the European Parliament’s support in institutionalizing Pakistan-EU Summit mechanism and for fast tracking the mutual cooperation interests by chalking out a Five-Year Engagement Plan for the commencement of Ministerial Level’s Strategic Dialogue between the two sides. 
He stated that Pakistan’s side was looking forward to an early visit of Baroness Kathrine Ashton, EU High Representative for Common, Foreign and Security Policy. 
He underscored the need for enhanced parliamentary exchanges between Pakistan and EU for creation of better understanding of each other’s point of view on issues of mutual interests.
The Prime Minister also sought European Parliament’s support for passage of EU’s Trade Concession Package for Pakistan through WTO in early May; grant of GSP Plus facilities to Pakistan as committed by EU; and for commencement of negotiations on Free Trade Agreement between the two sides.
The EU Parliamentary delegation assured the Prime Minister of their Parliament’s complete support in early recovery and reconstruction phases of the flood affected areas.
They commended Pakistan’s pivotal role in the fight against terrorism and called for broadening and expanding scope of cooperation and dialogue between Pakistan and EU in the areas of security, counter terrorism, human rights and climate change. 
The members of the delegation also undertook to proactively support Pakistan’s case for greater market access to the European markets and called for enhanced coordination and engagements between the two sides for sorting out the trade related issues.
The EU Parliamentary delegation comprised Nirja Deva MP,Ambassador Lars Gunnar Wigemark, Enrique Guerrero Salom, MP and Ricardo Cortez Lastra.
Senator Syeda Sughra Imam, Secretary EAD and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.