June 20, 2008	Friday	Jamadi-us-Sani 15, 1429

ISLAMABAD, June 19: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Thursday that Pakistan was looking for an increased access to the European Union markets to accelerate the economic development of the country.

Talking to EU Ambassador Jan De Kok who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House, the premier expressed satisfaction over longstanding and broad based relations with the EU countries and said Pakistan was keen to further augment these ties especially in the economic, security and counter terrorism areas.

The premier hoped that the EU would extend its help and assistance especially in the social sectors of the economy following establishment of a democratic government in Pakistan.

He underscored Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism and extremism as it was in Pakistan’s interest and not because it served objectives of another country.

“We are, however, trying to address the root causes of terrorism by accelerating economic activity, generating jobs and by initiating political dialogue with the elements that have joined the mainstream political activity after laying down arms.

Stressing the desire of Pakistan for a stable Afghanistan, the PM expressed the hope that the EU would help Pakistan in the repatriation of the refugees with honour and dignity.

Mr Gilani said Pakistan had taken all possible measures to prevent illegal cross border movement by installing biometric system and by setting up over 900 posts on the border with Afghanistan to achieve this objective.

Mr Jan De Kok expressed the EU’s strong solidarity with Pakistan and its priority to tackle poverty and uplift of the social sectors in Pakistan.

He also underlined the EU’s commitment to the well-being and prosperity of Pakistan as well as to strengthening democratic institutions.

He termed the EU and Pakistan as partners in the fight against terrorism and that the European Union would do all to assist Pakistan.