BRUSSELS, April 21: The European Union plans to forge stronger and more comprehensive relations with Pakistan following the country’s return to democratic rule, according to Javier Solana, the 27-nation bloc’s top foreign policy official.

Mr Solana, who arrived in Islamabad on Monday after a one-day visit to Afghanistan, told Dawn it was crucial that Pakistan moved forward on the path of reform and continued efforts to strengthen the rule of law.

The EU wanted to step up its engagement with Pakistan in order to promote regional and domestic stability, encourage democracy and help consolidate its position as a moderate Muslim state, he insisted.

“We look forward to developing a comprehensive relationship with Pakistan, to developing our political dialogue and our economic, trade and development cooperation,” the EU high representative for foreign and security policy said in an interview in Brussels.

Solana’s visit to Islamabad comes after British Foreign Secretary David Miliband held talks with new Pakistani leaders. Both visits signal renewed European interest in Pakistan following the end of military rule. EU and Pakistani officials also met in Islamabad in early March to review ties.

“My visit takes place at a very important and encouraging time for your country following the turmoil it has recently been through. We were very encouraged by the general election in February, which was run smoothly and was peaceful, free and fair,” he said.

“I am very encouraged by Pakistans return to the path of democracy and I want to voice the strong support of the European Union for the development and strengthening of the democratic process,” he added.

The EU foreign policy chief is set to meet Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi as well as President Pervez Musharraf. Discussions are also planned with key parliamentary leaders.

“It is important to establish relations with the new government,” said Mr Solana, adding: “We are looking forward to continuing to develop our relationship with Pakistan, which is very important to us.”A stable and democratic Pakistan, which respects the rule of law, would be a key long-term partner for the EU and had a very important role to play as a stabilising factor in the region, said Mr Solana.

“Pakistan plays a growing role in the region and makes an important contribution in fighting terrorism,” he underlined.

Mr Solana said the EU was ready to engage more with Pakistan in all fields and to intensify its cooperation in areas such as internal stability, regional relations, security sector reform, migration, human rights, counter-terrorism and non-proliferation.

EU foreign ministers are scheduled to review the bloc’s relations with Pakistan on April 28 amid demands from several states that EU-Pakistan ties should climb higher up the European agenda.

“Pakistan is an important partner for the European Union in many fields; including in the efforts to tackle terrorism which are vital not only for the stability of Pakistan itself but for the whole region,” said Mr Solana.

He noted that international efforts to promote stability at a regional level – notably in Afghanistan – also required stronger ties and cooperation with Pakistan.

In addition, the EU also wanted “to encourage democratisation and to help Pakistan consolidate its position as a moderate Muslim state,” he said.“We are committed to supporting the efforts of the people of Pakistan to build a democratic, peaceful and prosperous future for their country,” Mr Solana insisted.