ISLAMABAD, March 31: Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri on Friday called for a non-discriminatory approach by all 45 members of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) towards cooperation with Pakistan in the civilian nuclear sector.

He said this during a meeting with a delegation of the French Senate commission for foreign affairs, defence and armed forces. The four-member delegation was headed by former foreign minister Jean Francois-Poncet.

A statement issued by the foreign office spokesperson said: “The foreign minister also briefed Senator Poncet about Pakistan’s growing energy requirements in view of its rapid economic development and stressed the need for a non-discriminatory approach by all NSG members, including France, towards cooperation with Pakistan in the civilian nuclear sector.”

All aspects of bilateral relations were discussed at the meeting with focus on enhancing cooperation in diverse areas. Key regional issues also figured in the discussions during which the foreign minister underscored Pakistan’s role as an anchor of peace in the region.

The foreign minister briefed the delegation about Islamabad’s relations with Kabul, maintaining that a strong, stable and peaceful Afghanistan was in the interest of stability in the region.

He gave a detailed account of the dialogue process with India aimed at addressing all outstanding issues, including the issue of Kashmir.

Highlighting Pakistan’s efforts in the fight against terrorism, the foreign minister advocated the need for a holistic approach by the international community to defeat the menace of terrorism that would combine diplomatic and political efforts with economic cooperation to strengthen institutions of civil society.

“Senator Poncet, appreciating President Pervez Musharraf’s vision of enlightened moderation, commended Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and stability and rooting out extremism from its society,” the foreign office spokesperson said.

“He also appreciated Pakistan’s impressive economic development and stated that Pakistan is playing a credible role in regional peace, security and development, the spokesperson said, adding: “He maintained that Pakistan can be a bridge between the West and the Muslim world to create better understanding and cooperation between the two.”