First EU-Pakistan Summit: Commission boosts humanitarian aid up to €72M and supports strategic dialogue

From left to right: Javier Solana, Secretary General of the Council of the European Union and High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), Asif Ali Zardari, President of the Pakistan, Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, and José Manuel Barroso

The first Summit between the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan marks a significant and positive step in advancing relations between the EU and this important partner country. The event underlines the EU's commitment to the stability, security and development of a democratic Pakistan and provides the opportunity to discuss, at the highest level, the strengthening of the EU-Pakistan partnership, the regional political situation, global issues and the world economy.

The Summit is an occasion to review the implementation of the EU-Pakistan Cooperation Agreement, in particular trade and economic issues, development perspectives and counter-terrorism cooperation. Regional dynamics in South and Central Asia and regional economic cooperation will also be discussed.

The Summit takes place at a time when Pakistan is facing complex challenges in the economic and security fields. Against the backdrop of ongoing counter-insurgency operations in North West Frontier Province, the Summit will discuss how to mitigate the enormous suffering of the civilian population, including the need for humanitarian support and rehabilitation and reconstruction plans in the affected areas.

For more information:

Joint Statement EU-Pakistan Summit:
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/en/declarations/108562.pdf

-"EU-Pakistan: changing ties", Article by EU HR Javier SOLANA published in Dawn.com, Pakistan:
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/en/articles/108554.pdf