Also noting the enormous potential existing between the two countries in the areas of investment and trade, she proposed to reinvigorate the mechanism of Joint Commission and encourage close contacts between the private sectors. Hina also briefed her Belgian counterpart on the situation in Afghanistan and the successful visit of the Afghan High Peace Council to Pakistan. She said that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was essential for the peace and stability of Pakistan, and that the latter was willing to do anything within its capacity to facilitate an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process.
She also briefed the Belgian Foreign Minister about the path-breaking legislation introduced by the democratic Government of Pakistan to protect the vulnerable groups of society including women, children and minorities. The Belgian Foreign Minister appreciated the role Pakistan was playing for the peace and stability of the region, particularly in Afghanistan. He assured Belgium's full support for Pakistan inclusion in the new GSP+ Scheme helping Pakistan face the many challenges it was confronted with. He also emphasised enhancing regular contacts between the two countries at all levels. Later, the Foreign Minister also had a meeting with EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht and discussed with him the way forward for Pakistan to qualify for the GSP+ Scheme, which would become effective from January 2014.-PR