Dec 12 , 2015
News
Pakistan eyes robust cooperation with next door neighbours: PM
Nawaz says Pakistan seeks friendly ties, respect on equal basis
ASHGABAT – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said that Pakistan was pursuing a policy of strong cooperation with the regional countries especially with the next door neighbours for prosperity and enhanced connectivity.He was addressing a conference – policy of neutrality: international cooperation for peace, security and development – held here in connection with the twentieth anniversary of Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality. Under the changing scenario and challenges, Pakistan’s policy was driven by the UN recognised principles of respect, peace and tolerance rooted deeply in the objectives of attaining greater regional prosperity through a number of mega development projects linking the entire region, Nawaz said.
He said that Pakistan seeks friendly ties and respect on equal basis with all the countries and urged for respect of others’ cultures. “Pakistan seeks peace and pursue it through enhanced dialogue,” he said. He also mentioned the CASA-1000, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and road projects with Afghanistan which were manifestation of the policy to enhance regional connectivity.
Earlier, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow welcomed the dignitaries including heads of states and foreign ministers from South Asia and the Gulf region. Addressing on the occasion, the Turkmen president said that neutrality policy adhered by his country was beneficial for the whole region as well as to the whole world. He highlighted the far-reaching effects of their policy which helped in disarmament and elimination of weapons of mass destruction.
He referred to the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project as major energy conduit in the region as part of their grand efforts to share abundance natural resources with the regional countries. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and presidents of Belarus, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Georgia and Uzbekistan also spoke on the occasion.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk