ISLAMABAD, May 1: The European Union has expressed intention to develop a cooperation mechanism with Pakistan on issues of weapons of mass destruction and the fight against terrorism.
According to an EU press release issued here on Friday, the European Commission welcomed the cooperation agreement concluded between the European Community and Pakistan on Thursday following its approval by the European parliament on April 22.
"This agreement will lead to a significant deepening in relations between Pakistan and the European community," the press release said.
The EU-Pakistan agreement establishes the respect for human rights and democratic principles as an essential basis for cooperation.
Secondly, the press release said, the agreement would help enlarge the scope of cooperation between Pakistan and the European community.
"Not only does the agreement provide the framework for commercial, economic and development cooperation, but it opens up possibilities for dialogue and cooperation in important new areas, including environment, regional cooperation, science and technology, drugs and money laundering."
The press release said the agreement would further boost relations with Pakistan reflecting a recognition of significant recent developments not only on the domestic political front but also regarding improvement of relations with India.
In approving the agreement, the European parliament recalled the importance attached by the EU member states to the conclusion of the re-admission agreement with Pakistan. It noted that technical negotiations were already under way to this end and welcomed Pakistan's readiness to conclude the agreement.
An EU-Pakistan joint commission, which meets once a year, would oversee the implementation of the agreement.
In his message, the president of the European Commission, Mr Prodi, said that New Europe would be stronger and better equipped to find solutions to common problems.
EU commissioner Chris Patten said the union of 25 member states would represent a quarter of the world trade and more than half of the world's external and development assistance.
