By NNN-APP,
Berlin : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Monday said Pakistan has achieved great deal of success in the counter terrorism operation against extremists and terrorists and now requires assistance in initiating development projects in the cleared areas.
Talking to the Foreign Minister of Germany Guido Westerwelle who called on him here at his hotel, soon after his arrival, the prime minister said the Pakistani nation has stood up to the challenge of extremism and terrorism and boldly decided to wipe out these curses.
He said after the success of the operation it was important that the Internally Displaced Persons are rehabilitated and return to their homes.
Gilani in this regard sought Germany’s assistance in infrastructure development, imparting of technical skills, health and education facilities in the areas now cleared from the militants so as to divert the people away from the influence of extremists.
The German Foreign Minister said that his country will also enhance Pakistan’s annual development assistance by 10 million Euro to a total of 125 million Euro.
Germany also committed an increase in the number of scholarships for Masters and PHD and said it believes that student exchange was the best way to extricate them from extremism and terrorism.
He also assured increased linkages between their universities and more vocational institutes as part of Malakand Reconstruction Package.
Prime Minister Gilani said being an immediate neighbour of Afghanistan, Pakistan must be taken on board while taking any decision about the country to ensure sustainability of peace and stability in the region as it can play a vital role in the stability of the region.
He said Pakistan also desired good relations with India and stressed resolution of the lingering Kashmir dispute.
He said the start of Composite Dialogue process between India and Pakistan can bring peace, progress and development to the sub-continent and help stem unemployment, poverty and illiteracy.
The Prime Minister urged Germany, EU and other international players to use their influences in resolving the core dispute between Pakistan and India and to help resumption of the Composite Dialogue process.
He said the Friends of Democratic Pakistan Forum and the donor countries like Germany need to help the country in its efforts for rehabilitation and reconstruction in Swat, Malakand and FATA, that have been affected by militancy and terrorism.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan would appreciate deeper and stronger ties with Germany, both at the bilateral and the EU level and said it can help it achieve greater market access for its products in the German and European countries through GSP Plus facilities.
Gilani said it would help the country in addressing the root causes of militancy. He said Pakistan would also like Germany’s support for an early start of negotiations on the Pakistan-EU Free Trade Agreement.
He also suggested regular interaction between the two countries at the Foreign Minister and Foreign Secretary level.
The German Foreign Minister said Germany has deep interest in a democratic and stable development in Pakistan and sees it as an important partner in South Asia.
He said Germany believes that close cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan can bring lasting stability to Afghanistan and the region. He also noted that relations between the two countries have improved after President Asif Ali Zardari took over.
Germany that has over 4,000 soldiers in Afghanistan, third largest foreign troops contingent after the US and Britain, in the central Asian country has extended its military mission in Afghanistan for another year.
He said Germany would continue to extend support to Pakistan in basic health services, education, renewable energy and energy efficiency besides capacity building for good governance and gender equality, besides assisting it in rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons.