Summary Pakistan and France have agreed to further boost cooperation in various sectors.
PARIS: Addressing a joint press conference French President Francois Hollande and President Asif Ali Zardari following their talks at Elyse Palace Tuesday‚ said that they had discussed regional situation and increasing cooperation between the two countries.
President Asif Ali Zardari said he held very useful and constructive discussion with his French counterpart President Francois and discussed bilateral issues and cooperation in many fields.
He said Pakistan and France are good partners‚ and expressed the hope that cooperation and coordination would be continued in future as it remained in the past.
The President said Pakistan has been making efforts for provide equal opportunities for education to both boys and girls as Pakistan wants that the young generation should be given the chance to study‚ to live normal life and live like other children of the world.
Referring to case of Malala‚ he said every child has the right to get education.
The President said "We are committed towards democracy and working against the threat of mindset of terrorism."
The French President said his discussion with President was very good and encouraging. He said they discussed all the issues and cooperation in the field of education‚ health‚ defence and economy.
He said the France has continued its offer in many field including health and education. He said France is also an active part of many European Union programmes especially in health.
Replying to a question on cooperation in energy sector‚ the French President said France would extend its full help and cooperation to Pakistan to meet its energy requirements.
He said they also discussed the future of Afghanistan and discussed the necessity to tackle terrorism and drug trafficking which he accepted the main issue of the world and it required international cooperation.
He said the role of Pakistan in the stability and security in the region was also discussed during the meeting in order to help stability in the region and ease tension. He said for this purpose‚ France has been talking to the international community.
The French President said both the leaders also discussed nuclear issue and exchanged views on this important subject.
Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and Federal Minister Sheikh Waqas Akram were also present during the meeting.
