ISLAMABAD - Foreign Secretary-designate Abdul Basit has said that Pakistan’s diplomatic missions abroad will be mobilised to generate more economic activity in the country by bringing in foreign investment. Informally discussing foreign policy challenges in a media programme Sunday‚ Abdul Basit said trade and investment conferences will be organised in diplomatic missions to increase country’s exports.
He pledged to implement the vibrant foreign policy agenda of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif with focusing on creating linkages in the region‚ and encouraging economic and public diplomacy. He said Afghan reconciliation process is the key to success for Pakistan and Afghanistan. He said Pakistan is making sincere efforts to settle down the Afghan issue.
He said recent developments in this regard including release of Mullah Baradar reflect Pakistan’s earnest approach toward resolution of Afghan conflict. He said Pakistan is closely observing the upcoming Presidential elections in Afghanistan‚ and hoped it will boost the reconciliation process.
He said Pakistan will continue to play the facilitator’s role in the reconciliation process with non-interference policy as key element of the country’s policy. He said Foreign Office will establish a close liaison with National Security Directorate‚ which will also help resolving our security challenges.
Abdul Basit said unfortunately South Asia is the only region in the world where economic coordination lacks. He pledged to focus on improving economic coordination among South Asian countries to ensure development and prosperity of the region.