BRUSSELS, Dec 7: European Union foreign ministers on Monday will pledge to reinforce political and economic relations with Pakistan, beginning with a meeting of a ministerial EU “troika” with senior Pakistani decision-makers in the coming weeks and including increased aid for the country.

In a two-page statement to be issued on December 8, EU ministers will also call on Islamabad to intensify efforts to combat terrorism and extremism and underline the importance of improving relations between Pakistan and its neighbours.