Pakistan focusing on economic diplomacy, says FM

Qureshi terms it blueprint to leverage diplomatic assets to promote development agenda

ISLAMABAD:

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday said Pakistan’s foreign policy must navigate through the external environment to ensure the security of country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and advancement of development agenda.

Addressing the passing-out ceremony of Foreign Service Probationers, FM Qureshi said, for the first time ever, Pakistan had re-oriented the thrust of its diplomatic efforts towards economic benefit and prosperity of the masses.

“Economic Diplomacy is not just a buzzword, but a blueprint to leverage our diplomatic assets in the service of our development agenda,” he said. “We have put in place a ‘Strategic Engagement Plan’ with the European Union and the ‘Strategic Economic Framework’ with Turkey.”

The foreign minister added that in order to explore untapped markets and opportunities, the government had also launched the ‘Engage Africa’ initiative.

READ Qureshi urges envoys to implement Pakistan’s geo-economic agenda

“Going forward, our pivot towards economic diplomacy will gather further momentum as new avenues are opened, and existing ones gain greater traction,” he added.
Congratulating the probationers passing out of the 41st Specialised Diplomatic Course, FM said they had had a brief taste of the work related to the recent OIC CFM in Islamabad and did an admirable job.

 The foreign minister advised the probationers to strive to serve Pakistan and its people to the best of their ability as their primary focus throughout their careers.

Qureshi highlighted that the consular services being provided by the Foreign Office through Missions were a critical function. “The Government of Pakistan is committed to giving due esteem to overseas Pakistanis and serving them wholeheartedly,” he added.

Secondly, the foreign minister urged the probationers to work hard and be eager to learn, and not restrict themselves to the files on their desk but rather keep them updated even if they were assigned a non-political desk.

“Always keep your chin up and do not lose motivation. Be innovative and think outside the box amidst resource constraints. Be mindful of the opportunities and challenges presented by the digital age. Being tech-savvy is no longer optimal,” he said.