ISLAMABAD, Feb 17: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has sought greater access of Pakistan to the European markets to help the country achieve its social development plans.

Talking to Richard Howitt, a British Member of the European Parliament who called on him at the PM House on Saturday, he emphasized that Pakistan highly valued its relations with the European Union, and called for greater cooperation, especially through enhancing trade.

"The approval of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the cabinet would pave the process for third generation agreement between Pakistan and EU by opening new areas of cooperation leading to enhanced trade," he remarked.

He said the European Parliament was a flag-bearer of freedom and human rights in the world and Pakistan expected it to make a fair, balanced and meaningful contribution in facilitating a peaceful and just settlement of the Kashmir dispute.

Referring to ideas floated by President Gen Pervez Musharraf for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute, the prime minister said they provided an ideal base for discussion leading to a just settlement of the Kashmir dispute.

He said both the EU and Pakistan were partners in the fight against terrorism, reconstruction of Afghanistan and in the maintenance of global peace. Pakistan was committed to continuing this partnership, he added.

Talking about relief and re-construction activities in the earthquake-hit areas of the AJK and the NWFP, the prime minister said they were going on in full swing.

The prime minister welcomed the visit of Richard Howitt and appreciated his efforts for engaging the European Union for the just settlement of the Kashmir dispute according to aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Mr Howitt assured Mr Aziz of the European Parliament's continued support in all fields of mutual interest. He said the EU was appreciative of the fact that Pakistan was playing a stabilizing role in the region.

He said Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz's interaction with the leaders of the European Union during his recent visit to Davos and Brussels had led to a better understanding of Pakistan's role in the region and its policies.

SWITZERLAND’S SUPPORT: Meanwhile, Pakistan has formally sought support of Switzerland in the initiation of talks on free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) to increase the level of trade with the bloc.

The request was made by secretary of commerce Syed Asif Shah at a meeting with the Swiss undersecretary of state, federal department of economy, Ms Monika Rohl Burzl, here on Saturday.

EFTA comprises Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The global imports of EFTA are around $180.36 billion and its imports from Pakistan are only $98.45 million.

Islamabad’s current level of trade balance is heavily in favour of EFTA countries, and within EFTA, Switzerland is the largest trading partner of Pakistan. The proposed free trade agreement with EFTA will provide increased market access to Pakistani goods and services and, similarly, import of machinery will be made at concessionary rates.

An official announcement issued after the meeting said that the Pakistani secretary requested the Swiss undersecretary for her reassurance to Pakistan on EFTA as Switzerland played a major role in EFTA negotiations.

Ms Monika confirmed her support and said that the EFTA Council had already discussed the issue once and would formally convey the decision in early March this year, confirming EFTA’s acceptance to start negotiations with Pakistan on goods and services.