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Brussels:
Pakistan's democratic progress is vital for global peace and
security, the 26-member global forum Friends of Democratic
Pakistan (FODP) has said.
"The success of Pakistan's experience in developing a strong
democratic system, the welfare and well-being of its people,
combating extremism and terrorism and Pakistan's economic
prosperity and stability were critical for regional and global
peace and stability," said a joint communique issued after the
third ministerial meeting of FODP.
Representatives of all the member countries and organisations
gathered in Brussels Friday to discuss the aftermath of the recent
floods in Pakistan and a long-term comprehensive approach towards
recovery, according to EuAsiaNews.
The forum was hosted by the Eropean Union foreign policy chief
Catherine Ashton and Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood
Qureshi.
"A safe, secure and prosperous Pakistan is in the interest of the
people of Pakistan but also in the interest of the European Union
and the international community," Ashton told a news conference.
The communique also noted "the need for continued efforts by the
government of Pakistan under its reform programme towards economic
stabilisation and sustained economic revival, including widening
the tax base".
"If we want the economy to grow we will have to put in a greater
national effort in resource mobilisation. There are areas that
have not been contributing and we need to broaden that base,"
Qureshi told reporters.
The forum acknowledged that socio-economic challenges has been
compounded by the devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan.
It was also agreed that the Asian Development Bank, through a task
force, will prepare a strategy on water management in consultation
with the government of Pakistan.
Established in September 2008, the FODP aims to serve as a
political forum to express international solidarity with the
Pakistani people's aspiration to build a stable, democratic and
prosperous nation.
The Brussels meeting also welcomed Egypt as a new member of the
forum.
Besides Pakistan, other member countries include: US, Britain,
France, Germany, China, Australia, Iran, Italy, Japan, the
Netherlands, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain,
Sweden, Turkey, Canada, Denmark and the United Arab Emirates.
The Asian Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, Eropean
Union, UN and the World Bank are also part of the forum.
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