May 4, 2006	Thursday	Rabi-us-Sani 5, 1427

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PESHAWAR, May 3: Security and stability are prerequisites for successful reconstruction efforts and it is hoped that Pakistan will be able to limit infiltration by the defunct Taliban and Al Qaeeda terrorists into Afghanistan, says Foreign Minister of the Netherlands Dr Bernard Bot.

He was delivering a lecture at the Islamia College here on ‘New Horizons: Beyond the Dutch lowlands and the Pakistani Mountains’.

Dr Bot said that his country had contributed some 250 million euros for humanitarian relief to Afghanistan, adding that the main thrust of the Dutch policy was to strengthen governments.

The Dutch government had sent their troops to Afghanistan to defend its national security against a renewed terrorist threat. If the Netherlands, a trading nation, was fighting for a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan, “it is acting in its national interests and the interest of Afghan people, Dr Bot said

Stressing the need for close cooperation between Europe and Pakistan, Dr Bot said that it was necessary because of Pakistan’s crucial role in the quest for peace and prosperity in South Asia in general and Afghanistan in particular.

Focussing on Pakistan’s geo-strategic location, he said that the country was located in a “volatile part of the world”.

Highlighting instabilities in Afghanistan, Kashmir, Nepal and Sri Lanka, he said that Pakistan too was experiencing unrest in its parts, like Balochistan and Waziristan.

He said that India and Bangladesh, too, were not immune from law and order problems.

“There is strong case for regional cooperation in South Asia,” he said.

The South Asian countries should follow the example of European countries and unite for regional cooperation in South Asia.

“We have built a new Europe through regional cooperation,” Dr Bot said.

He said that stability and peace in Kashmir was essential for unlocking the potential of regional cooperation and improving the security situation in the subcontinent.

Terming the composite dialogue between Pakistan and India a historic opportunity, Dr Bot said it was vital to work towards a lasting peace.

Highlighting the effects of globalisation, Dr Bot said that it was compelling both the countries to work together closer than ever for a common purpose, adding that it was vital “to coordinate our steps”.