ISLAMABAD, 10 May 2007 — Pakistan and the Czech Republic agreed yesterday to boost diplomatic links and promote relations in trade, health and science.
The two countries signed four agreements after Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek held talks with his Pakistani counterpart Shaukat Aziz. It is the first visit by a Czech prime minister to Pakistan.
Topolanek, who arrived here late Tuesday on a three-day visit, also met with President Pervez Musharraf and discussed bilateral and regional issues, an official statement said.
The Czech leader told a joint press briefing with Aziz that his country wanted a strong diplomatic presence in Pakistan. “We will soon open two honorary consulates in this country,” he said. Islamabad opened its diplomatic mission in Prague recently.
“We have given a clear indication of our intent to enhance ties with Pakistan in trade, commerce, cultural, scientific and health fields,” he said.
Topolanek’s delegation includes business representatives from the Czech Republic, who were due to hold separate talks with their Pakistani counterparts on private sector cooperation between the two countries.
Musharraf told the visiting leader Pakistan was seeking greater access to European markets to sustain its current high growth levels, the statement said.
Officials said Topolanek exchanged views on regional and international issues with Pakistani leaders, including the situation in Afghanistan and the ongoing peace process between Pakistan and India.
Topolanek said at the briefing the situation in Afghanistan was difficult “but we should give Afghans hope for prosperity and a good future.” A small contingent of Czech soldiers is serving in the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.
“We also appreciate Pakistan’s role in bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan,” he said.
