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| Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chairing the concluding session of envoys conference at Foreign Office on May 6, 2014. PHOTO: PID |
Re-emphasising Pakistan’s desires for peace and tranquillity in the Middle East, the premier reiterated that Pakistan will maintain its policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.
He said that the government is paying particular attention to the promotion of its special relationships with fraternal countries in the Gulf and Middle East. Recent exchanges at the highest level reflect these endeavours, said Nawaz.
The prime minister said on external front Pakistan has always emphasised on building a peaceful neighbourhood and PML-N government is also pursuing the policy of constructive engagement with all the neighbouring countries.
On Afghanistan, Nawaz said the key tenants of Pakistan’s approach are non-interference, support for the peace and reconciliation process, and building a bilateral relationship, marked by enhanced trade and economic cooperation.
Commenting on Pakistan’s relation with India, the premier said that Pakistan remains committed in reaching out to India for the peaceful resolution of all the pending disputes, including Kashmir, through a sustained dialogue.
“We believe the main dynamic in South Asia should be cooperation, not confrontation.”
He added that since June 2013, Pakistan has reinforced it strategic partnership with China, re-oriented the relationship with US, upgraded ties with the European Union, reached out afresh to Russia, and strengthened linkages with ASEAN, Africa and Latin America.
Guidelines for Pakistani missions
Emphasising on the role of Pakistani diaspora, Nawaz said, our community in Europe, North America and the Middle East, is well-placed to play the role both as a “bridge” and a “catalyst”, for fostering of enhanced economic collaboration, between Pakistan and countries of their residence.
While appreciating the efforts made by the envoys to improve services to Pakistani expatriates abroad, the premier said there still more need to be done.
Acknowledging the resource constraints faced by the Pakistani missions, Nawaz said the government has already taken steps in that regard. He hoped that the benefits of the initiatives taken will be felt by the people soon.
“The Government will also welcome innovative ideas for generating funds, for measures aimed at improving community services, as well as adapting the rules and regulations, for utilization of already available funds,” said Nawaz.
Economic diplomacy
The prime minister said that in order to re-invent the foreign in the light of growing inter-dependence, economic strength and greater integration with the rest of the world, Pakistan have taken a conscious decision to re-balance Pakistan’s geo-strategic and geo-economic priorities.
“I have also consistently emphasized the importance of “trade, not aid”, said Nawaz.
He referred to the initiation of the “Economic Corridor” project with China, and the GSP-plus status with EU as the prominent success of PML-N government.
It is essential that in all our endeavours, we focus on seeking opportunities for expanded trade, investments and economic cooperation that exist in every region, said Nawaz.
He added that with a booming energy sector, development of infrastructure, a thriving services sector, and enhanced focus on connectivity, the opportunities offered by the Middle East are immense.
The prime minister also apprised the attendees regarding the steps taken by the government to address the issues of security and energy crisis. He said that a National Security Policy has been approved and a dialogue process has been launched, to address the issues of extremism and militancy.
He hoped that the sincere efforts of the government would yield the desired results and help turn the tide of violence.
He also informed that in order to resolve the energy crisis, over 2,100 MW has already been added to the national grid, and more is expected later this year.
