'Forthcoming visit of President Sarkozy to boost economic ties'

[AnGrz_Z_K_Jailer]

ISLAMABAD (January 17 2010): Minister of State for Finance and Economic Affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar on Saturday expressed the hope that the forthcoming visit of President Sarkozy to Pakistan and the signing of the Joint Declaration would boost relations between the two countries. She said the relations would move to a new level that would go beyond security to a comprehensive economic and development partnership.

She stated this in her meeting with the Advisor to French President, Jean-David Levitte in France on Saturday where she also discussed various issues related to expanding bilateral relations between the two countries, says a message received here on Saturday.

During the meeting the minister briefed the advisor on the significance of her visit as the Draft Joint Declaration on the Economic Partnership between Pakistan and France has been discussed and finalised with French Minister of State for External Trade, Anne-Marie Idrac.

Khar who is currently visiting France also appreciated President Sarkozy's support on the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP) forum. She emphasised the importance of French support for enhanced market access for Pakistani products to the EU as it would boost exports and create employment opportunities in Pakistan.

She also briefed the advisor on the direct and indirect cost of war against terror on the Pakistan's economy and hence the need to provide level playing field to Pakistan in trade with EU. Levitte said that President Sarkozy has indeed special feelings for Pakistan because they are both allies in fighting the same enemy that is terrorism of all kinds.

He also said that engagement of French troops in Afghanistan will be pointless if we do not work hand in hand with Pakistan and that is why it is important to help Pakistan in all possible ways. He agreed to the need to support Pakistan on the question of market access to the EU and said that Pakistan should get what it needs and deserves.

Source : Business Recorder [Pakistan's First Financial Daily]