New trends, reflecting general societal developments, need to be absorbed by diplomacy as part of state governance: Ishaq Dar

ISLAMABAD, August 09 (SABAH): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has urged Pakistan’s diplomatic missions and diplomats to play their active role in projecting and protecting the country’s interest.

Addressing the Graduation Ceremony of 43rd Specialized Diplomatic Course in Islamabad on Friday, Ishaq Dar also urged the former diplomats to give their input on existing foreign policy with a view to review, adapt and recalibrate it in accordance with the prevalent strategic, political and economic trends.

The Minister stressed for maintaining high standards of the training imparted to the new entrance into the Foreign Service to tackle the challenges faced on the diplomatic front.

He said in the trainings, the focus should be made in contemporary disciplines such as international law, international politics, foreign trade, economics and public diplomacy.

Ishaq Dar said modern diplomacy is currently experiencing fundamental changes, affecting the different aspects of domestic and international politics that were once of no great concern to diplomacy.

The Minister stressed that new trends, reflecting general societal developments, need to be absorbed by diplomacy as part of state governance.

Ishaq Dar spoke about Pakistan’s foreign policy outlook in view of developing global and regional politics. He underlined the importance of re-orienting Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives from conventional diplomacy to economic diplomacy to advance the country’s development agenda.

Ishaq Dar highlighted the important role of Pakistan’s diaspora in the progress and development of the country, and advised the young diplomats serve the overseas Pakistanis irrespective of their political affiliations, religion or ethnicity. He underlined that Pakistan’s young diplomats shall be equipped with necessary skills set to promote trade and investment and tourism.

The Deputy Prime Minister commended the efforts of Foreign Service Academy for maintaining excellence in its training modules and the training of a large number of foreign diplomats over the years.

Director General of the Foreign Service Academy, Ambassador Ahmed Hussain Dayo underlined the commitment of the Academy to continue to maintain excellence in training of diplomats and its pride in training 1,554 foreign participants representing 120 countries.