'Pakistan for peaceful relations with all neighbours'

Shah Mehmood Qureshi says Islamabad to play its role in region as a mediator

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan desires peaceful relations with all its neighbours on the basis of equality, noted the advisory council on foreign policy in a meeting on Wednesday.

The council meeting, chaired by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the Foreign Ministry, was attended by the former ambassadors, former foreign secretaries, experts on international affairs and other council members.

The participant discussed Prime Minister Imran Khan’s participation in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, recent tour of the Chinese vice president to Pakistan and important regional and international affairs. Qureshi briefed the meeting about the PM’s address in the OIC and agreements signed during the Chinese vice president’s tour to Pakistan.

The members of the council commended the way the prime minister highlighted the issues of Kashmir and Palestine as well as the need for the Muslim countries to adopt a comprehensive strategy to counter any attempt in the west to blaspheme against the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Qureshi said the Chinese vice president’s tour boosted the bilateral relations between the two sides. He said the government is adopting a policy to stabilise the economy and make diplomacy more effective.

“Pakistan will play its role in the region as a mediator,” the foreign minister said. He thanked all members of the council for their assistance in matters of foreign affair.