European Parliament member lauds Qureshi-Mogherini meeting

LONDON: Appreciating a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and top European Union (EU) official Federica Mogherini, Dr Sajjad Karim, a member of the European Parliament (MEP) said it would further strengthen ties between the EU and Pakistan.

In a statement, he welcomed the European Union’s Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini’s visit of Pakistan.

Dr Karim said improvement in ties between the EU and Pakistan could lead to enhanced cooperation in various fields, including trade.

Yesterday, Pakistan and the EU had agreed to strategic partnership in the fields of trade, investment and energy.

This understanding came at the strategic dialogue between the two sides at Foreign Office in the federal capital.

The Pakistani side was led by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi while Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini led the other side. Speaking on the occasion, Qureshi said Pakistan will continue to fulfill its responsibilities vis-a-vis peace in Afghanistan and the region.

He apprised the EU delegation about gross human rights violations in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.

Later in the evening, Ms Mogherini called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and discussed matters of mutual interest.

During the meeting, PM Khan said Pakistan gave immense importance to the European Union and its allied countries. He also expressed satisfaction on relations between the EU and Pakistan. He also appreciated enhancement in trade after Pakistan’s GSP Plus status by the EU.