LUXEMBOURG, Oct 8: Relations with Pakistan climbed up the European Union’s foreign policy agenda on Monday as the bloc’s 15 foreign ministers promised to “continue and develop” political ties with Pakistan and said they were ready to sign a new cooperation treaty with Islamabad.

The European Commission has been instructed to look into plans to revive the agreement which was put on ice following a military take-over in the country in October 1999.

Diplomats say the EU is also considering an unprecedented package of budgetary aid for Islamabad in addition to increased humanitarian assistance.

Pakistani textile officials meanwhile are discussing improved access to the EU market for the country’s textile and garment exports.

The turn-around in EU-Pakistan relations is directly linked to Islamabad’s support for the US anti-terror campaign in Afghanistan, say officials.

The country’s ties with the EU languished in virtual no-man’s land for two years as EU governments suspended political and diplomatic ties with Pakistan and voiced disapproval of the military government.

In discussions held only hours after the American and British military assault, EU ministers also moved quickly to build new links and consolidate old ties with a range of other Islamic countries, including Iran, Central Asian republics and Gulf nations.

EU governments also approved a new multi-million dollar aid package for Afghan refugees and held first-ever discussions on building a broad coalition government in post-Taliban Afghanistan.