RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua Monday said that Pakistan considers France as an important partner in political, economic and security fields, and also welcomed the interest of French companies to invest in various sectors in the country.

According to a Foreign Office statement, the Foreign Secretary was speaking to the visiting delegations of the French National Assembly and Senate led by Jean-Bernard Sempastous and Pascal Allizard who called on her here at the Foreign Office.

She said that Pakistan considered France an important political, economic and security partner, bilaterally as well as within the context of the European Union. She briefed the parliamentarians on the improved security situation in the country and particularly conducive environment for trade and investment. She added that the Friendship Groups play a key role in bringing the two countries closer. Foreign Secretary welcomed interest of French companies in investing in Pakistan.

Janjua also briefed the visiting French delegation on the regional security situation and Pakistan’s efforts in the fight against terrorism. She also briefed the parliamentarians on relations with India and Afghanistan and the government’s policy of a peaceful neighborhood. She impressed upon the parliamentarians to play an active role in the resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute and upholding the principle of human rights.

“The Parliamentarians welcomed this opportunity to visit Pakistan which was an important country”, said the statement, adding they acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. They also vowed to maintain regular contacts with their Pakistani counterparts, it added.

“The simultaneous visits of the Friendship Groups of the French Parliament are testimony to the fact that Pakistan and France enjoy deep and close relations”, stated the statement, adding that the Friendship Groups play a key role in developing mutual understanding and creating political goodwill between the two countries.

Jean-Bernard Sempastous is the President of France-Pakistan Friendship Group of the National Assembly of the French Republic. Senator Pascal Allizard is President of the France-Pakistan Friendship Group in the French Senate.

During the visit, the French parliamentarians also interacted with Pakistani parliamentarians, including Chairman Senate and Speaker National Assembly.