French President Hollande meets with counterpart President Zardari [fr]
Unofficial translation of the press release of the French presidency on the occasion of the meeting between the French and the Pakistani Presidents in Paris.
Press Release - President Hollande meets with counterpart President Zardari
M. Asif Ali ZARDARI, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, called on the President of the Republic of France on the morning of the 11th of December 2012 in the Elysée palace.
During the meeting, the French President indicated his will to consolidate the bilateral relationship’s dynamic between the two countries. He reaffirmed that a democratic, tolerant and open towards the outside world Pakistan will always be able to count on the friendship of France. The Presidents talked about the development support provided by France to Pakistan, in particular in the areas of water and energy, but in the field of education as well, and the future of the economic cooperation between the two countries.
The French President welcomed the initiative of President ZARDARI in favour of the education of girls as well as his participation at the recent UNESCO conference on the topic. He recalled the condemnation by France of the attack against Malala Yousafzaï and France’s support for ensuring education for all. He underlined the attachment of France to the respect of fundamental rights in Pakistan and his wish to see the later comply with its international obligations in that area.
The meeting also tackled regional questions with a particular focus on Afghanistan. The French President reaffirmed his attachment to achieving success in the inter-afghan reconciliation process as well as the consolidation of democracy, Pakistan being crucial to both.
Finally, both Presidents addressed the necessity of reinforcement of the fight against terrorism, which constitutes a threat to Pakistan, its neighbours and the rest of the international community. They agreed on the necessity to strengthen France and Pakistan cooperation in this area.