The foreign ministers of Pakistan and Austria met in Islamabad Wednesday to discuss moves to broaden relations and strengthen economic cooperation. Making the first visit to Pakistan by an Austrian foreign minister, Ursula Plassnik held extensive talks with Khurshid Kasuri on bilateral ties and regional and international issues, dpa reported. Noting Austrian support for the government in Islamabad, Kasuri sought "equitable access" for his country to markets in the 27-member European Union bloc in the shape of a free trade agreement. Both sides are currently assisting each other in diverse fields such as energy, tourism and education. They are also jointly setting up an engineering university in Pakistan's central city of Lahore. The ministers also discussed the security situation in Afghanistan, the crises in Iran and Iraq, and counter-terrorism initiatives.
