PM for enhanced ties with Sweden, France
ISLAMABAD, Sept 5 (APP): Noting significant improvement in Pakistan’s  trade and investment ties with Sweden and France over the past three years, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Monday urged further improvement in the days ahead. He was talking to Ambassador Ulrika Sundberg and Daniel Jouanneau, who separately called on the Prime Minister here at the PM House. The Prime Minister appreciated the support being extended by Sweden and France to Pakistan in the European Union and within the framework of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP). He appreciated the ambassadors for their concrete contributions in deepening ties of their respective countries with Pakistan.
The ambassadors reiterated full support of their countries for greater market access for Pakistan, as well as partnership to enhance Pakistan’s capacity in different sectors.
 Talking to the French Ambassador, the Prime Minister recalled his official visit to France in May this year, his meetings with the French leadership and the decisions taken to further strengthen bilateral relations.
The French Ambassador said a trade delegation led by the French Trade Minister was expected to visit Pakistan in the near future to further look into possibilities of augmenting bilateral trade and the French investments in Pakistan.
He also appreciated Pakistan’s positive role in bringing about peace and stability in Afghanistan, and for efforts towards normalizing its relations with India.
 The Swedish Ambassador apprised the Prime Minister of efforts towards enhancing Pakistan’s trade with Sweden during her tenure in Pakistan. She said that the FODP was an important forum and Sweden would continue supporting its activities to promote this as a vehicle for strengthening mutual friendships and long-term partnerships.
 The Prime Minister wished the two ambassadors well in their future endeavours. He expressed the hope that they would continue working for building further bridges between Pakistan and their respective countries.