ISLAMABAD, Jan 30: The European Union has appreciated Pakistan’s important contributions to the global fight against terrorism.

This was stated in a joint press communique released at the conclusion of the visit of a European Union team which was here to discuss cooperation on technical assistance in the global campaign against terrorism.

Pakistan stressed that it expected that the EU would ensure the protection and dignity of its expatriates within the European Union countries.

The country also stressed the need to ensure that the counter terrorism campaign would not adversely effect bona fide visitors and the expansion of trade.

The EU delegation assured that these concerns were understood, and would be conveyed to the relevant EU authorities.

The mission led by the European Commission was here at the invitation of the government of Pakistan, not only to assess possible areas of cooperation, but also to benefit from Pakistan’s experience in this area.

The EU has chosen Indonesia, Pakistan and the Philippines as key countries for cooperation in the field of counter terrorism. Following this mission the European Commission would discuss immediate support under its Rapid Reaction Mechanism and options for a long-term cooperation.

During the meeting Pakistan emphasized that this new face of cooperation between Islamabad and the EU was an expression of the importance that Pakistan gave to the EU and their bilateral relations in all fields.

The EU team which was here from Jan 27-30, appreciated the coordinated cooperation extended by the government of Pakistan. Both sides agreed to continue contacts to give effect to such cooperation.

The delegation, led by Nicolaas Schemers, directorate-general external relations of the European Commission in Brussels, was included five other officials and experts of the EU.—APP