EU planning to hold summit with Pakistan

Prague (Czech Republic), May 10 (ANI): The European Union (EU) is planning to hold its first ever summit with Pakistan in June this year.

According to the sources privy to the Czech presidency, the EU wants to help strengthen the civilian government in Pakistan by showing strong support on the highest level.

Several different topics including the fight against terrorism, together with the war in Afghanistan , as well as enhanced cooperation in the field of the rule of law and trade issues are expected to come up for discussions in the summit,The Dawn reported.

European nations had expressed their willingness to reinforce links with Pakistan last year itself.

"The European Union stands ready to strengthen bilateral relations with Pakistan and to look for possible ways of increasing its financial assistance to the country," a statement issued by EU foreign ministers stated then.

According to the European Commission, the Union has sent more than 500 million euros as financial aid to Pakistan since 1976.

It has also quadrupled its aid for the 2007-2010 period, with 50 million euros allocated so far.(ANI)