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Europe for peace and solidarity
Dr. Jassim Taqui
Deputy Editor (IR)
The European Union endorses the values of peace and solidarity. The
objective is to build Europe, which respects the freedom and
identity of all the peoples who compose it.
These were the main features of the message of the Head of the
Delegation of the European Commission Ambassador Jan de Kok on the
occasion of European Day. Jan de Kok and Mrs. Agnes de Kok hosted a
well-attended reception at the Shamadan Hall, Serena Hotel to
celebrate the occasion.
A large number of European, Asian and African diplomats a long with
their spouses attended the function. The Chief guest was the Federal
Minister for communication Ch. Nisar Ali Khan along with many MNAs
from the ruling coalition party and the elites of Islamabad and
Rawalpindi. Upon the arrival of the chief guest both the European
and Pakistan national anthems were played to give an official and
decorum touch to the occasion.
Also in attendance were the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Mr.
Berdiniyazov Sapar and his deputy the Saudi Ambassador Mr. Ali
Asseri who remained in the function for a fairly long time and
freely mixed with the guests.
It was on 9th May, 1950, the French Foreign Minister , Mr. Robert
Schuman presented his proposal on the creation of an organized
Europe, indispensable to the maintenance of peaceful relations. The
objective was to prevent a Third World War and to create, peace,
stability and co-existence. That is why during the Milan Summit in
1985, EU leaders decided to celebrate every 9th May as “Europe Day.”
One positive aspect for Pakistan is the fact that EU is engaged in a
continuous political dialogue with Islamabad on the ministerial ,
senior officials, and EU head of missions’ levels.
On 3rd and 4th March, the EU troika was in Islamabad to discuss wide
range of subjects on cementing the political, economic and trade
relations with Pakistan. It is also expected that the EU private
sector would open up on Pakistan and would substantially invest in
various development projects in the country. EU is also considering
writing off of the debts of Pakistan to enable the new democratic
government to serve the poor and the needy. With the new political
dispensation and the new dawn of democracy, it is expected that the
relations between EU and Pakistan would increase manifolds.
The atmosphere was extremely cordial and informal. The EU
ambassadors were full of hope and optimism that Pakistan would
re-emerge as the most dynamic and moderate state in south Asia. The
theme of discussion continues to be the parleys in London between
Zardari and Nawaz Sharif.
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