Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni on Thursday said Italy was on “same page” with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism and was ready for close cooperation in counter terrorism. In a joint press conference with Adviser to Prime Minister Sartaj Aziz at the Foreign Office, the Italian foreign minister said Italy and Pakistan had a defence agreement in place since 2009 and were exchanging expertise and sharing information in fight against terrorism. Expressing the condolences on behalf of the Italian government over the deadly incidents of terrorism in Pakistan, he said peace in Afghanistan is need of the hour. Paolo Gentiloni said political and diplomatic solution is the key for peace in Afghanistan. He expressed the hope that Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG), comprising Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and the US, could pave the way for a political solution to the Afghan issue. “Pakistan and Italy share same views in United Nations for consensus group on the reformation in UN, especially in the enlargement of UN Security Council,” he said, adding both countries have contributed a large number of peacekeepers to different parts of the world. He said Italy had a strong commitment to eliminate terrorism after 9/11. “Conflicts in Middle East and Afghanistan have created turmoil and complex situation in the world,” he said, adding Daesh, al Qaeda and other terrorist outfits are real threat to the world peace. Earlier, in his remarks, Sartaj Aziz said his meeting with his Italian counterpart was a good opportunity to intensify efforts for strengthening bilateral trade. He mentioned that the Pak-Italy Economic Commission, formed in 2006 with six working groups, was taking positive steps in this regard. He said the two sides also agreed on formation of a cultural forum. He expressed satisfaction over the formation of cultural forum, adding the two countries had strong cultural linkages with the presence of big Pakistani community in Italy. Responding to a question, he said Pakistan government has taken concrete steps for safety and security of minorities in Pakistan. “A number of legislations were adopted by the parliament for safeguard rights of Pakistani minorities,” he added. He mentioned that the discussion also focused on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as the project is not only important for Pakistan and China but also for other states.