Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the European Union (EU) have agreed to continue cooperation in the spheres of counter terrorism, security, defence, disarmament and non-proliferation.

The seventh meeting of the Pakistan-EU Joint Commission, held here on Wednesday, welcomed the holding of the second dialogue on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation as well as the fifth round of the Counter-Terrorism Dialogue.

The Pakistan side was jointly led by Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry and Economic Affairs Division Secretary Tariq Bajwa, whereas the EU delegation was led by Gunnar Wiegand, managing director of the European External Action Service.

The two sides appreciated the continued strengthening of the Pakistan-EU relations and expressed satisfaction over the progress made in the implementation of the Pakistan-EU 5-year Engagement Plan, including the holding of the Third Pakistan-EU Political Dialogue and the Strategic Dialogue held earlier in Brussels this year.

Both Pakistan and the EU vowed to make every effort finalise the new plan by the middle of 2017 for approval by the next Pakistan-EU Summit. The European Union side reiterated its strong support for democratic institutions, electoral reforms, rule of law, human rights, economic development and poverty reduction in Pakistan in accordance with national plans and priorities.

The meeting also discussed the economic reform programme of the government of Pakistan. Both sides recognised the importance of mutual cooperation in the field of energy and said that holding of a first EU-Pakistan energy meeting next year in Brussels would strengthen cooperation and exchange of information.