Tribesmen urged to make peace pact a success
By Our Diplomatic Correspondent

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan and Hungary on Tuesday agreed to boost their relations in various fields, particularly the trade and economic, with discussions on various issues including the use of civil nuclear technology.
Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri and Hungarian Foreign Minister, Dr. Kinga Goncz talking to newsmen said they discussed the need for enhanced market access for Pakistan to European Union and operationalization of the Third Generation Agreement (TGA) between Pakistan and the EU.
Hungarian Foreign Minister while replying to a question, said peaceful use of nuclear energy is right of every country, but against the proliferation. She said Hungary gives importance to “Nuclear non- Proliferation Treaty” because it is important to stop proliferation.
Both the Foreign Ministers Kasuri and Dr. Kinga Goncz said they will continue their talks on the cooperation of civil nuclear technology in Vienna in their next meeting. Khurshid Kasuri said during the talks he explained to the Hungarian Foreign Minister that Pakistan, a declared nuclear state has transparent system to ensure strict check on proliferation.
He said Pakistan has stated that it was not against the use of civil nuclear technology by India, but against the discrimination by the world on this vital issue. Kasuri said Hungary has been producing about 40 percent of its energy through nuclear technology.
The Hungarian Foreign Minister praised Pakistan for supporting peace and stability in Afghanistan. Pakistan and Hungary also agreed to upgrade economic cooperation and further strengthening high level bilateral contacts.
Kasuri while welcoming Foreign Minister Kinga Goncz, who is on her first ever visit to Pakistan, said it has provided an excellent opportunity for reviewing bilateral relations, with a view to enhancing cooperation in a range of areas, particularly trade and commerce.
He said, “We also discussed international issues of mutual interest including Pakistan-India relations and the composite dialogue, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Middle East and UN Reforms.” Khurshid Kasuri while addressing the press conference said Hungary is an important central European country which has become a member of EU, NATO and OECD.
He said Hungary’s successful transition to market economy and excellent economic performance is commendable. Kasuri said Pakistan and Hungary enjoy friendly and cooperative relations and are keen to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation.
He thanked Foreign Minister Goncz for the support provided by Hungary following the tragic earthquake last year including sending of medical teams and provision of relief goods. Kasuri said, “We agreed on the need to promote parliamentary exchanges and revive parliamentary friendship group”.
Foreign Minister Goncz would be meeting the Chairman Senate and Speaker of the National Assembly during her stay in Pakistan. Referring to present level of trade of dollars 150 million between Pakistan and Hungary, Kasuri said there is a healthy and expanding trade between the two countries.
He said Hungarian companies have invested in Pakistan and are keen to enhance this cooperation, including oil and gas exploration, adding, the Hungarian company is also participating in the privatization of Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL). The two countries also singed an agreement to cooperate in the field of oil and gas exploration.
Kasuri said, however, there is yet vast untapped potential for enhancing trade and investment cooperation which both the countries are keen to explore. The Foreign Minister said both the countries discussed and agreed to expedite the establishment of a Joint Economic Commission and signing of various agreements including Economic Cooperation Agreement, Investment Promotion, Cultural Exchange Program and Visa Abolition for Diplomatic and Official Passport holders.