FM Bilawal highlights impact of GSP Plus on bilateral trade & appreciates EU’s support for projects in Pakistan
PHNOM PENH, August 05 (SABAH): Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held a meeting with Josep Borrell, European Union High Representative on the sidelines of ARF Ministerial Meeting in Phnom Penh on Friday.
Foreign Minister and the High Representative discussed issues of bilateral and regional cooperation between Pakistan and the European Union. They agreed on the importance of regular exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation. Foreign Minister highlighted the impact of GSP Plus on bilateral trade and appreciated EU’s support for projects in Pakistan. He underlined the importance of holding Political Dialogue as well as Pak-EU Strategic Dialogue at the earliest.
They exchanged views on the latest developments in Afghanistan. The Foreign Minister stressed the importance of continued engagement and dialogue to avert humanitarian and economic crisis in Afghanistan. He also apprised the High Representative about Pakistan’s efforts for provision of humanitarian assistance.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and High Representative Josep Borrell also discussed the situation in South Asia. Foreign Minister briefed him on the ongoing human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The Foreign Minister and EU High Representative agreed to continue dialogue and consultations on peace and stability in the region.
Meanwhile Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held a meeting on Friday with Retno Marsudi, Foreign Minister of Indonesia in Pnom Penh, Cambodia.
The two Foreign Ministers expressed satisfaction over the pace of steady progress in bilateral relations. They agreed on the importance of enhanced bilateral exchanges and regular dialogue at all levels to further solidify and provide momentum to the relationship.
The two Foreign Ministers also discussed the important role played by women in Pakistan and Indonesia and committed to work together for women’s rights and empowerment.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari thanked the Indonesian Foreign Minister on the timely support and facilitation by the Indonesia government in release of Palm Oil exports to Pakistan.
The two Foreign Ministers discussed issues of concern for the OIC and agreed that as the two largest Islamic countries Pakistan and Indonesia need to consult closely including in the framework of OIC and other international organizations.
Foreign Minister Zardari and Foreign Minister Marsudi also agreed on the need to further expand cultural exchanges and strengthen people-to-people contacts in all dimensions to the mutual benefit of the two countries. They agreed to remain engaged on issues of common interest.