PARIS, July 3: France desires to develop great partnership with Pakistan as it emerges with regional and international influence.

Speaking at a dinner hosted in honour of President General Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday, French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin said Pakistan had all the elements of a stable country.

He said these elements were the consolidation of democracy, the pursuit of the fight against terrorism and the modernization of economy.

He said our common determination to fight terrorism revealed a shared vision of international relations based on respect, tolerance and justice.

He said democracy was indeed the best guarantor of stability in Pakistan. “Rest assured president, that France and its government will support your country on the path to consolidation of its institutions,” he said.—APP