Tuesday, January 25 2005 10:18 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Brussels: The European Union's executive arm urged Pakistan to "stay the course" in a peace drive with India, welcoming Islamabad's role in enhancing stability in South Asia.

European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso, speaking after talks with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in Brussels yesterday (Jan 24, 2005), praised his country as a "key partner" for the expanding EU.

"We appreciate the very positive role Pakistan has played in enhancing stability in this important region," he said after meeting Aziz at the start of a four-day trip to Brussels.

EU external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner highlighted Pakistan's efforts in a slow-moving peace process with its similarly nuclear-powered neighbour India over the last year.

"We have followed reconciliation efforts with India with great interest and look to both countries to stay the course, as this will bring tremendous benefits to the region."

She also commended Aziz for the "very constructive" role Pakistan played during presidential elections last year in Afghanistan, which is battling to rebuild itself after decades of civil war.

Aziz is to meet EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson today (Jan 25, 2005) to discuss how to boost trade and investment, and also how to keep embattled World Trade Organization (WTO) talks on track.

"Pakistan can play an important role in the negotiations as a bridge-builder between different WTO constituencies," said Mandelson.