National News

ISLAMABAD, Jul 19 (APP): Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua met the
based Heads of Missions of European Union Member States here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to press release issued here, She said that Pakistan
attached importance to its relations with the EU.
While highlighting Pakistan-EU cooperation in the fields of political,
economic, trade, and social sectors, she expressed satisfaction that the
Pakistan-EU engagement had progressed to the strategic level.
The Foreign Secretary added that during the last round of Pakistan-EU
Strategic Dialogue, the two sides agreed to upgrade the current Five Year
Engagement Plan (2012-2017) into a Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP).
She expressed satisfaction that the two sides were working to finalize
the SEP for approval at the next Pakistan-EU Summit.
The Foreign Secretary said that the GSP+ Scheme had benefited both EU
and Pakistan by enhancing two-way trade.
It has been helpful in creating employment opportunities for the youth
and women of Pakistan while promoting the economic interests of both sides.
She also briefed EU representatives on the evolving peace and security
situation in the region and highlighted Pakistan’s efforts for pursuing the
objectives of a peaceful neighborhood.
She reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to constructively contribute
towards peace and stability in Afghanistan as well as its commitment to dialogue with India for the resolution of all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
She also highlighted the atrocities being perpetrated by the Indian
security forces against unarmed innocent Kashmiri civilians and ceasefire
violations committed by India at LoC.