BRICS summit: War against terror not just for Pakistan but for region's security, says Nawaz

PM proposes approach of promoting mutual understanding and cooperation through cultural, academic interaction


Web Desk/abdul Manan July 09, 2015
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is received by Russian President Vladimir Putin at BRICS Outreach Meeting in Ufa, Russian Federation on July 9, 2015. PHOTO: PID

UFA, RUSSIA: Speaking at the seventh BRICS summit, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday that Pakistan’s fighting against terrorism was not solely for Pakistan’s safety but for the whole region.

“Pakistan's fight against terrorism, including the military operation (Zarb-e-Azb), is not merely for the protection of Pakistan but it is equally critical for the whole region as well as international community,” Nawaz said.

Addressing the BRICS Outreach meeting, the premier also shed light on Pakistan’s sacrifice during the the war on terror, in terms of both human and economic losses, adding that it had not weakened Pakistan's resolve to fight extremism and uproot terrorism.

Read: Modi expresses India’s ‘anger’ over China’s action on Lakhvi

“We remain absolutely determined to take this campaign to its logical conclusion in order to achieve our objective of a peaceful and prosperous region.”

He suggested a four-pronged approach encompassing people-to-people contact, confidence-building in peace and security, trade and regional connectivity among the BRICS countries for uplift of their people.

“One, promote mutual understanding, cooperation and goodwill through cultural and academic interaction as well as people to people to contact.

“Two, to promote confidence, confidence building in peace and security is an essential element for shared prosperity.

“Three, promote bi-lateral and regional trade in the commerce coordinate to introduce cohesive laws, reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, and ease the movement of people and the merchandise across the border.

Read: Pakistan, India to start process of joining China security bloc

“Four, promote connectivity by investing in regional infrastructure that is investment in better transport networks including roads, motorways, railways and air and sea links.



PHOTO: PID

"We are grateful to our host, President Vladimir Putin and the government of the Russian Federation, for bringing SCO and BRICS member community together under one roof. This would go a long way in promoting inclusive and synergetic approach to economic development," he remarked.

Concluding his speech, the prime minister asked those present to commit to work together towards peace and development in the region and beyond while embracing the true spirit of collaboration and cooperation.

"Pakistan's economic growth has remained steady. We have unveiled "Vision-2025", to provide a solid platform for the revival of sustainable and inclusive growth. The potential growth sectors such as infrastructure, power and natural resources, are open to large scale investments," he said.

Earlier, Nawaz reached Ufa, Russia to attend the Shangai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

During his two-day visit, PM Nawaz is expected to hold meetings with leaders participating in the summit from across the world, including Russian, Chinese and Afghan presidents as well as his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

Regarding the premier's meeting with Modi, a Foreign Office spokesperson said, "Pakistan has responded positively to a suggestion from the other side for a meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the summit."

Read: Nawaz and Modi likely to meet on July 10

Reiterating that it has always been PM Nawaz’s policy to seek cordial and cooperative ties with all neighboring countries, including India, the spokesperson added, "It is in the pursuit of this objective that the prime minister would be meeting the Indian premier for a comprehensive exchange on all issues of common interest.

The meeting between Nawaz and Modi comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Recently, the relations got strained due to a series of controversial statements made by India’s top political leadership.

The official said the two prime ministers are expected to review the current situation and look into the possibility of some kind of engagement between the two neighbours. Pakistan, however, is not hopeful of any major breakthrough given the track record of the Modi administration, said another official.

COMMENTS (14)

Burjor Rustomji | 9 years ago | Reply @Abid Khan: Yes our P.M. flies a Gulfstream. I remember a few years back when the big three auto makers of America were broke and all three Presidents of the companies came in their private jets to Washington to ask the American Congress for loans. they received what they deserved, howlers from the Congress. Now who in the BRICKS summit is going to tell Mr.N.S. that beggars can't be choosers. A nation deserves a leader it gets. Pakistan gets Mr. Nawaz Sharif, a man brought up with silver spoon in his mouth, India gets Modi, brought up on the Railway Stations as a tea boy, Modi had to struggle all his life. Nearly all Indian leaders are know for their frugal and simple lives, from Mohandas Gandhi, to Modi, in between there was Shastri, Desai, these leaders have made a good example and set standards very high, far too high for people like Nawaz Sharif or Zardari to come anywhere close. This is one reason why Nawaz stands in the back row and Modi right up front, this is the difference, this is what counts.
sridhar | 9 years ago | Reply Who cares what Nawaz Sharief says? He is a puppet acting under the direction of the Army Chief. Such people have no respect in the international arena. Also, this is BRICS in which Pakistan is not a member. So again the irrelevance of his talk.
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