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Diplomats from Pakistan and Bangladesh on working visit in Brussels
May 18, 2009. Since April 15th the Clingendael Institute has been welcoming fourteen diplomats from Pakistan and four diplomats from Bangladesh in one of its diplomatic training programmes. Part of the programme, and one of the highlights, is a 2-day working visit to Brussels: from 6 until 8 May the diplomats discussed EU-South Asia relations and current developments with policy officials of the European Parliament, the Council of the EU, the European Commission as well as NATO.
The discussions with EU policy makers focused amongst others on EU Asia policy and on EU’s experience in regional integration. Comparisons were made with Asian integration models. Other important points of discussion were energy and climate, trade and counter terrorism cooperation. At NATO Headquarters the diplomats were briefed on the latest NATO operations and cooperation initiatives. Naturally the current situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan was also topic of debate.
The Course for junior Diplomats from Pakistan and Bangladesh runs from April 15th until May 21st and takes place for the fourth consecutive year. The course addresses issues and dilemma’s which are of relevance for diplomats working in the South Asian region and covers diplomatic practice, multilateral co-operation, international law, international security, sustainable development and international trade issues. Central in the curriculum is the development of personal and professional skills through lectures, case studies, simulations, working visits and various assignments.
Group picture of diplomats of Pakistan and Bangladesh at the European Parliament
Pakistani and Bangladeshi diplomats on working visit to the European Commission