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Friday, December 30, 2011
IP gas pipeline is Pakistan’s priority: FO
* Spokesman says want good relations with international community
* Kashmir dispute should be resolved according to the UN resolutions
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has said that there is a drive to accelerate work on Pak-Iran gas pipeline and complete it as soon as possible. In his weekly briefing, Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit said on Thursday, that in connection to agreements with Iran there is no change in Pakistan’s desire as far as gas pipeline is concerned. “There is a desire to accelerate work on gas pipeline and we would try to complete it as soon as possible,” he said.
To a question regarding violation of Iran’s air space by US and the former reaction as well as Pakistan’s policy in this connection, he said that Pakistan believe in peaceful solution to the nuclear issue of Iran.
On Pakistan’s stance regarding inquiry report pertaining to NATO air strike, FO spokesman said that Pakistan is assessing the report and would made public its view after analysing it.
Talking about the Pakistan-US relations, Basit said that the relations between the two allies saw several ups and downs during the current year, adding that Islamabad wanted relations with Washington based on mutual respect.
To another question about CBMs talks with India, he said that both sides hope that progress would take place after proposal in this connection was submitted.
Talking about the Kashmir issue, FO spokesman said, “We would like the Jammu and Kashmir dispute to be resolved according to the relevant UN resolutions.” He said it is important that the overall situation improves for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, adding “we support their legitimate aspirations”.
Basit said that Pakistan was also trying to improve ties with Russia and had better relations with Iran and Turkey. He said that Pakistan also gave great importance to relations with Muslim countries. He added that the country was also working to strengthen relations with African countries.
He said Afghanistan is a sovereign country and the reconciliation process should be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. “Ours is an all-encompassing relationship. Thousands of Pakistanis are actively contributing in the development of Afghanistan. An inter-state relationship that has its roots in their people is bound to flourish whatever the challenges may be.” The spokesman said Pakistan’s relations with the European Union and G-8 member countries also moved forward. He said Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue would be launched during EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Lady Catherine Ashton’s visit to Pakistan early next year. EU trade package for Pakistan under Autonomous Trade Preferences is expected to be approved by the WTO in near future.
The spokesman said all-weather relations with China attained newer heights and both the countries celebrated 2011 as the Year of Friendship.
He especially mentioned agreements signed during the recent visit of China’s State Councillor Dai Bingguo that include $1.6 billion Currency Swap Agreement (CSA), renewal of Five-Year Economic and Trade Cooperation Plan involving projects worth $14 billion and agreements worth $809 million for infrastructure and energy projects. agencies
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk