Belgium swaps Euro 30 million as assistance for quake-hit areas: APP

ISTANBUL, Oct 31 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday expressed gratitude to Belgium for swapping its debt of Euro 30 million as assistance for reconstruction of 2005 earthquake hit areas. In his meeting with the Belgian Foreign Minister, the Prime Minister underscored the importance that Pakistan attached to its relations with Belgium. The Belgian Foreign Minister condoled the loss of lives and property in Balochistan earthquake. He informed the Prime Minister that Belgium was planning to send the relief assistance for earthquake affectees.

Both the leaders agreed to convene the meeting of Pak-Belgium Joint Commission in the coming months to reinvigorate their cooperation in the area of trade, investment, education, IT and scientific fields.

On the request of the Prime Minister for Belgium support to Pakistan’s case for inclusion in the GSP plus scheme and initiation of FTA talks with the EU, the Belgian Foreign Minister stated that his government would give these matters sympathetic consideration.

The Belgian Foreign Minister requested briefing from the Prime Minister on Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign, on chances of success of US and NATO military campaign to root out extremists from Afghanistan and Pakistan’s assessment of the overall situation in the region.

The Prime Minister highlighted the fact that all the allied forces must strive to win hearts and minds of the people rather than relying exclusively on the military means to win against extremists and militants in Afghanistan.

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