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BRUSSELS, Jan 26: Pakistan and Belgium signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Wednesday to enhance economic and political ties.
The MoU was signed by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and his Belgian counterpart Guy Verhofstadt following a luncheon meeting that focused on wide-ranging regional and global issues.
The MoU, on bilateral consultations between the foreign ministries of Pakistan and Belgium, called for increased interaction for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
The Belgian prime minister praised Pakistan's role in the world affairs and its growing economic potentials. He said the MoU would assist Belgian companies to further invest in Pakistan.
Mr Verhofstadt expressed satisfaction over his talks with Mr Aziz and said they covered a host of issues. He thanked Pakistan for its efforts in keeping peace in Central Africa especially the Democratic Republic of Congo and said the Pakistani peace keepers were playing a very important role in stabilizing the country and restoring peace and tranquillity.
Mr Aziz said the two countries have common views on many issues and the two states were keen to enhance their economic and political relations. He said: "Overall economic ties (between Pakistan and Belgium) are growing rapidly as both countries move ahead."
He spoke of the discussion on bilateral relations and said Pakistan was looking forward to Belgium's support in its relations with the European Union, adding that Pakistan was looking for more trade access to Europe.
He said Pakistan was the largest supplier of peace-keepers in Africa under the United Nations. "We are very committed to promoting this activity for the cause of world peace."
He said that he had updated the Belgian prime minister on the composite peace dialogue with India and the initiation of several confidence building measures. The need for the eventual resolution of Kashmir issue was also discussed, he added.
The two leaders held fifteen-minute one-on-one meeting before they were joined by their respective aides. The Belgian prime minister was also briefed on Pakistan's positive role in restoring peace and the reconstruction of Afghanistan.
Speaking about the importance of the MoU, Mr Aziz said it would bring the two countries closer together and allow them to exchange ideas, thoughts and views on major issues of bilateral and multilateral importance.
The two countries could consult each other and share common goals of peace and prosperity, he added. The prime minister also extended an invitation to Mr Verhofstadt to visit Pakistan.
PAKISTANI EXPATRIATES: Prime Minister Aziz called upon overseas Pakistani to play their role in enhancing positive image of the country by sinking their personal differences and rising above party politics.
Addressing members of Pakistani community on Tuesday evening, the prime minister spoke about country's economic progress and underlined the strategic importance of the country which has allowed it to play an important role in the world affairs.
Mr Aziz praised the contribution of the overseas Pakistanis towards the progress and development of the country and said that $4 billion being remitted by the expatriate community has strengthened the national economy.
He said stock markets were performing much better while numerous industries were being expanded underlining the economic prosperity. He said the freedom of press has been much greater as compared to five years ago which has helped to strengthen and consolidate democracy. He informed the audience on the progress made on the Kashmir and Baglihar dam issues.
He said Pakistan has decided to approach the World Bank following failure to resolve the Baglihar dam issue with India which was in violation of the Indus Basin Treaty.
He also spoke about his discussions with the European Union leadership on improving economic ties with Pakistan. "The European leadership has acknowledged Pakistan's role in the international community and its fight against war on terrorism."-APP
