ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday 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 the 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 at the PM’s House here on Tuesday.Prime Minister Gilani said that he is keenly looking forward to his visit to France next month and urged both the sides to work in concert to make the visit substantive, productive and meaningful.
He 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 will be finalised in time for the visit.
The prime minister emphasised that Pakistan highly values its cordial ties with France and considers France an important partner in Europe. He said that Pakistan would welcome France’s participation in the regional connectivity projects involving Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia.
He hoped that French corporate sector would avail the lucrative investment incentives of Pakistan to enter into joint ventures and invest directly in the 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 FPCCI and MEDEF, which, he was certain, can play a vital role in bringing the corporate sectors of the two countries closer.
Gilani also stated that he would like to have an extensive interaction with the French leadership including the president, the prime minister and the chairman Senate of France as well as French business and media leaders during his visit.
“It would give him an opportunity, he said, to discuss the all aforementioned matters of mutual interests as well as cooperation in education and cultural fields,” he added.
Secretary General of French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Pierre Sellal thanked the prime minister for finding time to meet him and expressed his satisfaction over his ongoing deliberations in Islamabad particularly with the view for preparation of prime minister’s visit to Paris next month.
Pierre Sellal appreciated Pakistan’s crucial role in the war against 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 his government’s complete commitment to counter terrorism and the resolve to standby Pakistan in achieving the shared goals of both the countries. He ensured 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 the 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.
