FM Bilawal reaffirms Pakistan’s desire to play a role of bridge between world powers, not a divider


ISLAMABAD, June 16 (SABAH): Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to play a role of bridge between world powers, not a divider.

Addressing the 49th Foundation Day of the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad on Thursday, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Pakistan has an important geographic location and it has the potential to mitigate the conflict between world powers as it did in past between the United States and China.

He said, because of its geostrategic locations, Pakistan’s foreign policy is far more affected due to global geopolitics and Pakistan should turn these challenges into opportunities.

He said the government is committed to pursue a humble foreign policy without compromising on the national interests.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said economic engagement gives the countries important leverage to impact policies of each other which can also lead to the better mutual understanding of conflicting issues.

He said the government is working under incredibly difficult circumstance with the sole objective to benefit the people of Pakistan.

The Foreign Minister also condemned the change in the special status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir terming it as an assault on the right of people of Kashmir and rising trends of Islamophobia in India under BJP led Modi regime.

Meanwhile Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday received Nawaf bin Saeed A. Al-Malkiy, Ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

According to the statement issued by Bilawal Bhutto on social media on during the meeting they exchanged views on a wide range of issues of mutual interest. They agreed to enhance bilateral economic cooperation with particular focus on trade and investment.

Meanwhile FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari received Deputy United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Kelly Clements.

According to the statement issued by Bilawal Bhutto on social media during the meeting they discussed Afghan refugee situation, underscoring the need for sustained international support for host communities. They stressed on much needed humanitarian and economic assistance to Afghan people.