Senior officials from the European Commission (EC) vowed on Monday to deepen ties with Pakistan.  

After meeting with visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Monday evening, EC President Jose Manuel Barroso said Pakistan is a "key partner" for the European Union (EU), adding that he wants to see the EU-Pakistan relationship "continue to deepen."

"Our commitment to you is clear from the substantial support we have offered over the past three years, ... and we appreciate the very positive role Pakistan has played in enhancing stability in this important region," the EC chief said.

EC Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner said the EC has followed Pakistan's reconciliation efforts with India "with great interest."

"The EU looks to both countries to stay the course, as this will bring tremendous benefits to the region," she added.

A press release issued by the EC on Monday evening said Aziz will meet with EC Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson on Tuesday and they will "focus on ways of enhancing bilateral trade and investment flows."

EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana will also meet with Aziz on Tuesday.

(Xinhua News Agency January 25, 2005)