In a detailed interaction with the FO officials, the Premier laid out specific directions on the enhancement of trade and economic diplomacy. PHOTO: NNI.
During the briefing, Nawaz termed evocative dialogue with India and Afghanistan a need of the hour and directed the Foreign Office to chalk out a strategy to initiate comprehensive dialogue between the two nations.
With the Foreign Affairs and National Security adviser Sartaj Aziz due to embark on a day-long trip to Afghanistan on Sunday, Nawaz outlined his vision for the nation's foreign policy and gave specific directions in this regard.
Nawaz "strongly emphasised the imperatives of promotion of trade and pursuit of economic diplomacy," a statement said.
Besides Aziz, the Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, and the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Tariq Fatemi, were also present at the meeting along with other officials.
As the Foreign Secretary highlighted the main aspects of the major relationships of the country and presented Foreign Office’s recommendations, the Premier declared that promotion of cordial relations with neighbouring countries as one of his top priorities.
Policy on Afghan peace process
The Prime Minister categorically declared his support for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned method for the restoration of peace in Afghanistan. He rejected the idea of supporting any militant or political groups.
Nawaz was also briefed on the upcoming visit of Adviser on Foreign Affairs and National Security, Sartaj Aziz, to Afghanistan.
During the briefing, Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani highlighted the current regional and international background of Pakistan’s foreign policy and noted the positive international reaction to the successful democratic transition in Pakistan following the last general elections.
Nawaz stressed the importance of a peaceful and stable neighbourhood and Pakistan’s positive contribution to the creation of such an environment.
On other subjects, Prime Minister Sharif directed the FO and Pakistani missions abroad to work towards promoting Pakistan’s economic interests.
COMMENTS (12)
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@expaki: Elimination, yes that's exactly what is required, elimination of all these usurpers of the autonomy of our people. The way these supposedly elected representatives of one of the poorest countries publicly conduct themselves is so absurd, simply bizarre, outlandish, ludicrous, it's gross distortion of representation of people. Frankly they abuse and distort democracy and us all who pretend that we have democracy at all.
@Mekaal Shahriyar: "they will reciprocate by aiding terrorism in Balochistan and rest of pak" what a wonderful observation. Shahriyar, "GROUPS"accepting responsibility of slaughtering Shia people, without any distinct between elders, children and women, are Indian sponsored? Do not be shy to accept that all these TERRORIST are OUR VERY OWN, Pakistani authorities know better about their where about. Blaming CONSPIRACY of Yehood and Hinood will not help, as no one buys that non sense. regards with good wishes
@afghan boy: "I think NS has realised " Oye Yaraa, Dir Ayed, Durust Ayed
@ModiFied: Yes they will reciprocate by aiding terrorism in Balochistan and rest of Pakistan. They will also send their terrorists like Sarabjit Singh who would kill dozens of people here and would be regarded as their national heroes. Now don't givbe the example of ajmal qasab because nobody in Pakistan neither people nor the government regarded as ajmal qasab while the "neighbours" media, government and common people all hailed sarabjit singh as their hero and killed a Pakistani prisoner in revenge besides near killing another
@Uza Syed: You guys have wasted your 5 years in violence and bloodshed. Its strange that yelling comes for somebody who has nothing to show for oneself.
The true efforts from all the side (Pakistan, America and Afghanistan) would remove the militant form this region. But always the evil exist from the government of Pakistan, the current government is symbolic, the whole game is with the agencies. They have no mercy for the civilians. Hope the people of pak understand to end this game which is just for the sake of Panjab, this is not war on terror but for the suppression of the other states, and we have a strange problem in Baluchistan, NWFP and Sind why not in panjob.
@ModiFied: Hardly believe so at least for India. They would have already started planning an escape route....
I think NS has realised that good relations with ones neighbour are more effective than supporting proxies. sadly this acknowledgement eminates from Pakistan s own and selfish desire to have peace for itself. no one in the neighbouring countries will believe the Pakistani spin that they are doing a noble act of helping s brother in need. we know why you guys suddenly want peace. it's because you're check mate in your own neferious games now your favourite weapon ie TTP has been made to turn their guns on you.
nawaz seems to be over empasising and bending backward to favour india. for me, this soft stance is yet to be spelled out.
Look at the flower bouquets! O' these punks they boil my blood, I wish that soon the 180 million victims of their arrogance wake up and chase them all away from our midst. May Allah give them what they deserve really e.g. a miniture Russian or French or our best good friends China like revolution and may it happen soon.
Honest efforts from Pakistan side will be reciprocated honestly by both India and Afghanistan. Best of Luck.