European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said Wednesday that the European Union (EU) remains committed to building a strong and stable relationship with the people of Pakistan.

He made the statement following the National and Provincial Assemblies elections in Pakistan Feb. 18.

Pakistan now has "an important opportunity to advance towards national unity and tackle the challenges that lie ahead," Barroso said.

"Europe is committed to building a strong and stable relationship with the people of Pakistan. We stand ready to work with the Pakistani authorities, political parties, civil society and other stakeholders to strengthen the rule of law and democratic institutions, as well as to improve the socio-economic conditions of the Pakistani people," said the head of the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU.

On the same day, EU Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner also commented on the elections in Pakistan.

"I am pleased that despite the significant challenges in which the elections were held, the election day has gone better than anticipated due to the courage and commitment of voters, party workers and election officials, who have shown courageous commitment to the democratic process," she said in a statement.

The EU deployed an independent Election Observation Mission (EOM), led by Member of the European Parliament Michael Gahler.