EU asks Pakistan to keep up peace drive

European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso, speaking after talks with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in Brussels, praised his country as a "key partner" for the expanding EU.

"We appreciate the very positive role Pakistan has played in enhancing stability in this important region," he said after meeting Aziz at the start of a four-day trip to Brussels.

EU external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner highlighted Pakistan's efforts in a slow-moving peace process with its similarly nuclear-powered neighbour India over the last year.

"We have followed reconciliation efforts with India with great interest and look to both countries to stay the course, as this will bring tremendous benefits to the region."

She also commended Aziz for the "very constructive" role Pakistan played during presidential elections last year in Afghanistan, which is battling to rebuild itself after decades of civil war.