ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani has expressed Pakistan’s firm commitment to remain a strong partner in all endeavours for peace, stability and development of the region and beyond.
He was speaking on the occasion of inauguration of the ASEAN Corner at Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad on Monday.
The Foreign Minister said a peaceful and stable Asia Pacific is a priority for Pakistan and it stands ready to work with the ASEAN member states for confidence building and conflict prevention.
Jalil Abbas Jilani said that being the proponent of multilateralism, Pakistan believes that a recommitment to the fundamental principles of the UN charter is the need of the hour. It is important that we reaffirm our support for an international order based on peaceful coexistence, amicable settlements of disputes, win-win cooperation and shared prosperity. He said there is a need to avoid bloc politics and geo political constructs.
The Foreign Minister said Pakistan wants to work with all countries on the basis of mutual benefit and mutual respect and trust. He said it is the most prudent way to leverage our strengths to the advantage of our peoples.
The Foreign Minister said Pakistan is a proponent and beneficiary of regional cooperation and connectivity. The CPEC is a physical manifestation of our belief in the idea of regional connectivity.
He said it is a pity that SAARC, which was established exactly on the same line as ASEAN, despite its immense potential has fallen victim to Indian intransigence. He, however, said Pakistan remains focused on deepening its relationship with various regions and organizations including ASEAN.
He said Pakistan has very special relationship with many ASEAN member states which are deeply rooted in culture, religion and history.
He said both Pakistan and the South East Asia face common challenges including climate change, pandemic, terrorism, Islamophobia, migration from conflict zones and cyber security. He stressed for evolving common solutions to tackle mutual concerns.
