ISLAMABAD: The government would soon start working with the European Union (EU) to draw out next 5-year strategic engagement plan (SEP) as the ongoing EU-Pakistan 2012-2017 plan is completing this year. An official of the Ministry of Finance told Daily Times that the EU side was happy with successful completion of the five-year SEP and were willing to have a follow up plan for further strengthening the relations of the Union with Pakistan. The Engagement Plan was guided by the EU-Pakistan Summit Joint Statements of 17 June 2009 and 04 June 2010 and governed by the EU-Pakistan Joint Commission. The Joint Commission is an important forum to review the implementation of the Pakistan-EU 5-year Engagement Plan, which was adopted in 2012. With the common goal of building a partnership for peace and development, rooted in shared values, principles and commitments, the Engagement Plan aims to promote cooperation and expand the partnership between the EU and Pakistan on a wide range of issues. The official recalled that the EU and Pakistan were already committed to working together in the context of the group of “Friends of Democratic Pakistan” (FoDP), and to implement the conclusions of FoDP meetings, including the Ministerial chaired jointly by Pakistan and the EU in Brussels in October 2010. Meanwhile Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar was informed on Tuesday that the EU side was looking forward to further deepening the relationship especially through the SEP. According to an official statement, Secretary EAD briefed the Minister on his participation in the Pakistan-European Union (EU) Joint Commission Meeting held in Brussels earlier this month. He informed that during the meeting the two sides welcomed continued growth in their broad-based relationship, and appreciated the implementation of the EU-Pakistan 5-year Engagement Plan (2012-17). He said that they looked forward to further deepening the relationship, especially through the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP). Secretary EAD also briefed the Minister on the progress of the various ongoing development projects. He apprised the Minister of ongoing negotiations with various donor agencies for finalization of projects in pipeline. Finance Minister said that the progress of disbursement of foreign grants and loans for infrastructure and energy projects should be diligently monitored. He emphasized the need for timely disbursement of funds so that the people at large can benefit from successful and timely completion of the projects. He urged EAD to undertake all efforts for efficient utilization of the funds. Finance Minister directed EAD to maintain close coordination with Federal Ministries as well as the Provincial Governments in this regard. Published in Daily Times, October 25th 2017.