Brussels, Dec 8 (Asia Free Press): The European Union (EU) has welcomed the progress made by Pakistan in implementing the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Action Plans and also lauded the adoption of the “Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Bill” by the parliament, which later became an Act with presidential approval.
A joint communiqué issued early Wednesday at the conclusion of the sixth round of the European Union-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue mentioned that the EU also welcomed the “ongoing efforts to address the remaining FATF actions,” state-run APP reported.
The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP), Josep Borrell, in Brussels, Belgium.
“The two sides reviewed the ongoing cooperation between Pakistan and the EU based on the Strategic Engagement Plan,” according to the joint communique shared by the Pakistan Foreign Office.
They agreed to further enhance EU-Pakistan mutual engagement, especially on security and regional cooperation. Both sides agreed to hold the first meeting of the new EU-Pakistan Security Dialogue with sub-groups on Non-proliferation and Disarmament and Counter-terrorism in 2022, mentioned the joint communique.
The HR/VP and the foreign minister reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen and protect human rights as well as fundamental freedoms, focusing on freedom of religion and belief, inter-faith harmony, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, and the rights of minorities.
Both sides expressed a strong political commitment towards the GSP+ and the implementation of 27 international conventions on human rights, labour rights, protection of the environment, and good governance that are linked to it.
Pakistan FM Qureshi and High Representative Borrell also exchanged views on other regional issues and reaffirmed their endeavour to promote peace and prosperity through concerted efforts.
