QUETTA: European Union (EU) Ambassador to Pakistan Jean-François Cautain has said that during his four-year stay in the country he has laid the foundation of a new partnership between Pakistan and the EU that will bring both sides closer to each other in different sectors.

Speaking at a dinner hosted by Nadir Gul Breach, chief executive of the Balochistan Rural Support Programme (BRSP) here on Wednesday, he said his stay in Balochistan was interesting and that he learned a lot about the Pakistan’s largest province by area.

“I remained successful in my efforts for establishing a new partnership between Pakistan and European Union,” Mr Cautain said.

He said some suggestions given by Mr Breach would be given importance in the next strategic plan that would be launched in 2021.

He said the EU and BRSP would work jointly for providing education and other basic facilities to people in rural areas of Balochistan. “The people of Balochistan want development. In coming days difficulties of people would be minimised and Balochistan would become more stable,” the ambassador said.

Mr Breach in his welcome address said that the BRSP with the help and cooperation of EU had played an important role in the development of Balochistan and there were some signs of improvement in the province.

“We hope the EU will continue its help and cooperation in future as Balochistan is very backward area and it needs resources for development,” Mr Breach said.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2019