The EU recognizes the sacrifices of the Pakistanis… and seeks a strategic ally?

(BRUSSELS2) On the occasion of her first visit to Pakistan, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton today (Tuesday 5 June) launched the strategic dialogue with this country. " A long-awaited visit according to the Pakistani Minister of Foreign Affairs. This was one of the elements provided for in a 5-year commitment plan adopted by the EU and Pakistan last February, supposed to renew relations between the two parties. Whether " in the past, our relationship was mainly based on trade ", this strategic dialogue should make it possible to deal with other issues, and in particular to bring that of security " in the front of the scene “, according to the High Representative. A dialogue that must continue: it must be institutionalized according to the Pakistani minister.

Recognition of Pakistani sacrifices

Catherine Ashton made a point of acknowledging the " enormous sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism and extremism". « So many people have lost their lives, so many people have been injured, so many families have been devastated by what has happened in this country. ". Pakistan was expecting this recognition very much and therefore expresses its " deep thanks to the EU for having listened to the voice of the Pakistani people ". As a reward for these sacrifices, Pakistan asked for only one thing: preferential access to international markets. And in particular to that of the EU, which had already responded to the floods of 2010. The "strategic dialogue" inaugurated today should allow us to continue in this direction. Discussions towards a free trade agreement are thus envisaged.

Strengthen cooperation and make Pakistan a strategic ally

According to the 5-year plan, one of the 6 components of which is safety, " sector dialogues must be established in the fields of the fight against terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking as well as for disarmament and non-proliferation. The EU could therefore well have a strategic ally here. Especially since by recognizing the " Sacrifices Pakistani, it affirms a position quite different from that of the USA. They are indeed at odds with Pakistan, which firmly opposes American drone attacks on its territory. According to the Pakistani authorities, these attacks are not only illegal but also counterproductive: they kill civilians, undermine Pakistani morale, promote anti-Americanism and push the rebels towards more extremism.