ISLAMABAD – French President Emmanuel Macron held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Imran Khan late Thursday and recognised the “high price” paid by Pakistan dealing with terrorism.
Macron congratulated Imran Khan on his party’s election victory and for assuming the office of prime minister, said a press release.
President Macron appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in fighting terrorism and recognized the “high price” paid by Pakistan dealing with this menace. In this context, he condoled the terrorist incidents held during July polls.
He stressed the importance of deepening bilateral political dialogue. He expressed the desire to cooperate in the fields of energy, water resource management, trade, and economy and to work together on issues of mutual interest at the global level.
PM Khan thanked the French president for his call and expressed the desire for further developing bilateral relations with France into a mutually beneficial, broad-based and long-term partnership.
He added that trade and investment ties between Pakistan and France were growing and appreciated the presence of a large number of French companies in Pakistan. He invited more French investments into Pakistan.
Khan briefed the French President on the regional situation, especially the importance of a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan, and on the relations with India.
He underscored the need for the resumption of the comprehensive dialogue with India to address all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
He referred to the sad plight of Kashmiris facing massive human rights violations and the need for the international community to play its role to mitigate the sufferings of the Kashmiri people.
Prime Minister Khan invited President Macron to visit Pakistan which the French leader accepted.
