ISLAMABAD: Speaker, National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza has asked EU for its support for the socio-economic development in the country especially in the flood effected areas and the tribal belt of Pakistan.
She remarked that EU has been always supportive of the democratic governments in Pakistan in their development initiatives. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said this while talking to Mr. Andris Peibalgs, European Union Commissioner for Development who called on her in Parliament House.
Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with European Union which are deep rooted in bonds of friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding on various issues. She appreciated EU support for the strengthening of democratic process and institutions in Pakistan. She said that political leadership of Pakistan envisions a long term strategic partnership with EU with special emphasis on strengthening of economic and trade partnership, peace and security and parliamentary cooperation. Dr. Fehmida Mirza appreciated the economic assistance by EU after devastating floods and during military initiatives against insurgents in Swat and Tribal belt of Pakistan.
The Speaker said that the present democratic government in the country had inherited massive challenges that included terrorism, extremism, financial crunch and shortage of energy. She said that Pakistani nation has shown resilience and has supported government in time of crises. She said that government is committed to the socio-economic development in the country in consonance with the aspiration of the elected representatives through its indigenous resources. She said that support of friendly countries specially the EU would supplement its efforts.
Andris Peibalgs, EU Commissioner appreciated the remarks of the Speaker and said that EU would continue its unwavering support to Pakistan for the development of infrastructure, gender equality, education, health and strengthening of Election Commission and electoral reforms. He informed the Speaker that EU has chalked out a comprehensive development plan for which EU would be spending 300 million Euros per year the development process in Pakistan. He also assured Madam Speaker for assistance to the Parliament for the capacity building of Parliamentarians and secretarial staff, research, automation of parliamentary record and parliamentary library. Online
