Pakistani president says France takes his country as responsible partner

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari said here on Monday that France considers Pakistan as a "responsible partner."

"France considers Pakistan as a responsible partner with them in the world," Zardari told reporters after a meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy. He added that Sarkozy would visit Pakistan later this year.

According to the Elysee Palace, France and Pakistan decided to cooperate effectively on counterterrorism and civil nuclear development. The two leaders did not touch on sensitive issues during their meeting.

Zardari started his two-day visit to France on Monday. He will also meet with French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner on Tuesday. Before heading on to Britain late on Tuesday, he is to make a brief private visit to Normandy in northern France.

Source: Xinhua