Saturday, June 23, 2007


Pakistan promoting regional peace: Kasuri

WASHINGTON: Pakistan believes that interaction and dialogue focusing on security, economic cooperation, solution of disputes must be accelerated for promoting peace and security in the region, Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri said.

He observed that rapid economic growth and geo-strategic location provide Pakistan an opportunity to play the role of anchor for regional peace and security. “Pakistan is playing a pivotal role for promotion of regional peace, stability and progress. It is an important part of the international community in the campaign against terrorism, and is promoting regional security and prosperity through a policy of active engagement at the diplomatic level,” he said in a speech at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Pakistan’s perspective on peace and security in the region is guided by the country’s desire for a stable world order based on peaceful coexistence, its determination to defend and promote its vital interests, its efforts to promote development as well as harmony and understanding both at regional and global levels, Kasuri said.

“We are quite optimistic that in the near future economic linkages at the bilateral level as well as between regional groups will create mutually beneficial interdependencies, which will be a win-win situation for all sides. Such cooperation driven by self-interest will create conditions for promotion of peace and prosperity.”

Underlining the creative role Pakistan can play given its strategic location, he said

Pakistan provides the shortest sea route and an energy corridor for all the landlocked but resource-rich countries of Central Asia and Western China.

He informed the audience that the country has completed the Gwader deep seaport just outside the strategically important but narrow strait of Harmuz, vital for world oil supplies from the Gulf. At the same time, Pakistan has undertaken major infrastructure projects for roads and rail transport networks to complement air links with these vital regions, he added.

To ensure an enabling environment, Pakistan is pursuing a four-pronged approach of dialogue, strategic restraint, strengthening of regional cooperation and enhancing cooperation between different sub-regions of Asia, the foreign minister said. “We are confident that this policy will enhance Pakistan’s capacity as an anchor for peace and security in the region.”

Pakistan, the foreign minister said, condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. “While we believe that military actions against terrorist groups and individuals are effective in the short-term, it is important to address the root causes of terrorism to address the issue in the long-term.”

Peace and stability in the region is inextricably linked with the just resolution of the long-standing Palestinian issue. The establishment of an independent Palestinian state is essential to achieve durable peace in the Middle East, he said. app

Courtesy DailyTimes.com.pk

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