Memo: Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner participates in ‘Friends of Pakistan’ and Pakistan Donor meetings in Tokyo

Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner will participate in the meetings of the 'Friends of Democratic Pakistan' group and the Pakistan Donor conference which will take place on Friday 17 April in Tokyo. Pakistan is facing complex domestic challenges in the economic and security fields which will be discussed during the meetings. Furthermore, Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner will re-affirm the European Commission's firm commitment to stand on the side of the democratically elected government of Pakistan and support it in its efforts to promote development and to eradicate poverty and extremism. In this vein, the European Commission has already stepped up its assistance to Pakistan which is currently at €50 million per year.