Pages 238-240 from FCO 177-540

The document summarizes the visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Paris. During the visit, he met with French officials, including President Mitterrand, and discussed three main themes: nuclear cooperation, arms sales, and regional issues.

Regarding nuclear cooperation, the visit resolved a dispute over the proposed sale of a nuclear reprocessing plant to Pakistan. The French agreed to compensate Pakistan for their investment in infrastructure and accepted a sum of 650 million francs, which would be used as credits towards the purchase of French goods. The possible purchase of a nuclear reactor from France was also discussed, but the Pakistani response indicated that they would only accept the deal if it was subject to full-scope safeguards and if India also accepted similar limitations.

In terms of military cooperation, an accord was reached to provide a framework for future cooperation, including naval training. The sale of three "Errian" class minesweepers, costing a total of 1300 million francs, was agreed upon. Nawaz Sharif expressed interest in purchasing 44 Mirage 2000 aircraft, but the French stated that the terms would have to be proposed by the Pakistanis, and the French did not consider it would tip the balance against India.

On regional issues, Nawaz Sharif called for a conference on denuclearization of South Asia, which France supported but noted the need for Indian interest. The issue of Kashmir was also discussed, with Mitterrand expressing concern and suggesting a resolution through dialogue and international law. The French detected a genuine Pakistani desire to find a negotiated solution in Afghanistan, with the current situation providing an opportunity for economic contacts with Central Asian republics.

Overall, the French viewed the visit as a moderate success, although some concerns were raised about Pakistan's weak economy and its ability to service its debts. Press coverage mainly focused on the arms sales aspect of the visit, with some suggesting that the minesweepers were a consolation prize for the failure to secure nuclear and Mirage deals.