ISLAMABAD, Dec 3: The EU commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Assistance, Poul Nielson, met Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar here on Monday.

On this occassion, Nielson expressed appreciation of Pakistan’s principled stand to support the international coalition’s war against terrorism and stressed the importance of coordinating with Pakistan on the issues of the resettlement and repatriation of the Afghan refugees.

He also praised Pakistan’s hosting of millions of Afghan refugees for so long despite the huge financial burden on its economy.

Mr Nielson said that the EU was ready to provide finances for the refugees in order to ease Pakistan’s burden and added that the international community could benefit from Pakistan’s experience and expertise in Afghanistan.

The foreign minister emphasized the importance of concerted efforts by the international community for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Afghanistan.

“This would not only strengthen the political process and the establishment of durable peace but also enable the millions of Afghan refugees to return to Afghanistan,” Mr Sattar added.—APP