SLAMABAD: France’s special representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Pierre Lellouche called on President Asif Ali Zardari here at Presidency on Saturday. During the meeting, they discussed matters pertaining to regional security situation, Pak-French bilateral ties and Pak-Afghan relations.

Talking to the Envoy the President said that Pakistan is committed in eliminating extremism and militancy from the society but it required massive support and assistance by international community to fight effectively this battle against terrorism and extremism.

The President thanked France for their support at a recent meeting of the ‘Friends of Pakistan’ forum in Tokyo. Pierre Lellouche conveyed French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s strong support for the government of Pakistan in the war on terror and said that France was fully aware of the problems confronting the region, and was looking forward to contributing effectively to their resolution.

Pierre Lellouche said that the purpose of his visit was not only to familiarize him with what Pakistan needed most at this critical juncture but also to assure the government and people of Pakistan of solid French support.

He said that it was a good omen that the world community was converging to the view that Pakistan must be helped. Among others the meeting was also attended by Secretary General to the President Salman Farooqi, Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Senator Rehman Malik and secretary foreign affairs Salman Bashir. French Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Mr. Daniel Jouanneau was also present during the meeting.-SANA