World affairs in focus as envoys moot kicks off

Pakistan’s foreign policy should continue to aim for peace, mutual understanding, says foreign minister

ISLAMABAD:

A three-day Envoys Conference, being attended by the ambassadors posted in the key world capitals, kicked off here on Thursday with focus on major foreign policy challenges, and opportunities for Pakistan in view of the global and regional developments. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar attended the opening session of the conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affars.

Also present in the session were the ambassadors stationed in key world capitals including Washington, London, Brussels, Moscow, Beijing, New Delhi, Kabul, Ankara, Riyadh and others. Welcoming the prime minister, Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani outlined the framework of discussions at the conference and its importance as a deliberative forum.

He underscored the need for strengthening the anchoring role of the Foreign Office in foreign policy formulation and implementation.
According to an official handout, the prime minister, in his key-note address, shared his perspective about the pressing demands on the conduct of Pakistan’s foreign policy to align it with present-day imperatives.

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He said that Pakistan’s foreign policy should be guided by a vision of Pakistan as a progressive, economically ascendant state that prioritises the socio-economic well-being of its people. Pakistan’s foreign policy should continue to aim for peace and mutually beneficial relations across the globe, he added.

The prime minister said that Pakistan would continue to stand for international law and purposes, principles of the United Nations Charter, mainstreaming economic diplomacy and supporting the Palestinian cause. He underlined that Pakistan would always champion the Jammu and Kashmir cause and the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute as per the UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

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Kakar termed the conference “timely and relevant” against the backdrop of profound transformations taking place in the region and around the globe. He expressed the hope that the deliberations of this year’s conference would lead to practical suggestions to navigate Pakistan’s foreign policy through present-day challenges.

The prime minister reaffirmed his trust in Pakistan’s diplomacy and diplomats in their capability to fully deliver despite pressing odds. He extended his best wishes to the Foreign Office and Pakistani diplomats in safeguarding Pakistan’s interests and advancing Pakistan’s global stature.

The Envoys Conference is a regular feature for in-depth discussion for various facets of Pakistan’s foreign policy, in view of regional and global developments. The conference, this year, will deliberate and finalise recommendations on a range of bilateral, regional and global dimensions of Pakistan’s foreign policy.