Question : VISIT OF EU REPRESENTATIVE



(a) whether the European Union representative visited India recently;

(b) if so, the issues discussed; and

(c) the outcome thereof?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DIGVIJAY SINGH)


a) Yes, Sir. EU High Representative, Mr. Javier Solana visited India on 26th July 2002.


b)&c) During his visit bilateral issues as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern were discussed. There was a broad convergence of views that terrorism was a global phenomenon and that Pakistan must cease infiltration and cross border terrorism and dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism to enable the commencement of a dialogue process. The visit served to sensitize the EU, our largest trading partner with whom we have a strategic relationship, of our principal security concerns in this regard, as well as to review our expanding political relations.