Pakistan wants cordial ties with all neighbouring countries, says FM Qureshi

Foreign minister, who is in Japan on a three-day official visit, interacts with intellectuals and business community

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Monday that Pakistan desires peaceful relations with all its neighbouring countries for peace and stability in the region.

Qureshi, who left for Japan on Saturday on a three-day official visit, made the remarks while interacting with intellectuals and businessmen associated with Japan Institute of International Affairs in Tokyo, reported Radio Pakistan.

"Incumbent government wants to transform Pakistan into an industrial and trade centre," said the foreign minister, adding that there is need to establish new trade centres in the region to strengthen economic and trade relations.



Qureshi was scheduled to visit Tokyo from February 24 to 27 but that had to be postponed due to escalation in tensions with India following terror attack in the occupied Kashmir's Pulwama district.

Pakistan has a traditional friendly relationship with Japan and the foreign minister’s visit to Japan is expected to further deepen the friendly relations between the two countries.

According to sources, Qureshi during his meetings will impress upon the Japanese leadership to make more investment in Pakistan, besides holding talks on regional security situation, Pakistan-India tension and situation in Afghanistan.

He will then leave for Beijing after completing visit to participate in Belt and Road Forum where Prime Minister Imran Khan has been invited as special guest.