We are committed to preserving & strengthening our ties with United States: Qureshi
ISLAMABAD, Nov 16 (SABAH): Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi says Pakistan is pursuing a proactive foreign policy sensitive to national aspirations and global dynamics.
Speaking on “Contours of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy and Challenges” at a ceremony in Islamabad on Tuesday, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said we have the resilience and experience to deal with the challenges posed by the unpredictable and rapidly changing international scenario.
The Minister said for the first time in our country’s history, we have re-oriented the thrust of our diplomatic efforts towards economic benefit and prosperity of Pakistan.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan believes that the biggest opportunity right now is the convergence of the international community on the need for durable peace and stability in Afghanistan.
He said Afghanistan is part of a shared responsibility. He said Pakistan has played its role in promoting dialogue and reconciliation in Afghanistan.
The Minister said the greatest threat to our region and global security emanates from the Hindutva ideology that drives Indian officialdom.
He said Pakistan has consistently held that sustainable peace in South Asia is contingent upon resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the onus remains on India to create a conducive environment for meaningful and result oriented engagement with Pakistan.
The Minister said Pakistan lies at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and China. Better connectivity is therefore essential to promoting our economic interests and reinvigorating our cultural and historical ties.
He said CPEC is a flagship undertaking in regard to connectivity. Pakistan sees this framework as a game changer not only for itself but for the region as well.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan has long standing friendly relations with other regional partners like Nepal and Sri Lanka, based on mutual trust, respect and sovereign equality.
He said we are committed to preserving and strengthening our ties with the United States which are much valued and mutually beneficial.
The Foreign Minister said we are in the forefront of the fight against Climate Change, as well as efforts to check illicit financial flows.
He said Pakistan is the most vocal advocate of confronting and combating the rising tide of Islamophobia. Pakistan has raised this issue forcefully at various high-level platforms.
Meanwhile Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi says the government’s electoral reforms are aimed at securing public interest.
Talking to media at the Parliament House in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said in this regard we have taken our allies into confidence. The Minister said we have also given enough time to opposition to think over the matter and suggest their amendments.
He said all members of his party and allied parties are on same page for these reforms.