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French envoy, Attiya discuss steps to boost bilateral trade

ISLAMABAD: France on Thursday assured its full support to IMF programme for Pakistan.

French Ambassador Yannick Gerald held out the assurance during his meeting with Dr. Attiya Inayatullah, Member of the National Security Council here while discussing ways and means to enhance bilateral relations in all fields.

Subscribing to formation and strengthening of regional groups, France endorsed key leadership role of Pakistan in Saarc in the east and Eco in the west.

Attiya Inayatullah said that Pakistan believes in regional peace and co-operation but India has tried to negate Pakistan's role by sabotaging holding of Saarc summit.

The French ambassador said that France has noted with interest induction of representatives of civil society in the government by Chief Executive Gen Pervez Musharraf, which will help in development of human and social sector.

Dr. Attiya expressed possible convening of information meeting with European Union group in Pakistan soon, which is very active in initiating social development projects. Views will be exchanged on Pakistan's human and social development agenda.

The NSC member said that people to people level contacts would be encouraged between both the countries and thanked France for its substantial role in archaeological sector in Pakistan which includes discovering the fossil of an oldest and the biggest mammal in Turbat area. APP