Call on the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs by Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs of Egypt

The Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs of Egypt, Ambassador Yasser Murad, called on the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs (SAPM), Syed Tariq Fatemi, today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Murad is leading the Egyptian delegation to the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process Ministerial Conference, which is being held on 8-9 December 2015 in Islamabad.

The SAPM thanked the government of Egypt for participating in the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process Conference, and underscored that Egypt’s presence was reflective of its keen desire for lasting peace and stability in the region, as well as the friendly relations between the two sides. He added that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Egypt.

The Special Assistant outlined Pakistan’s contribution towards facilitating an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation process, and emphasized that peace in Afghanistan was vital for the peace and stability of the entire region. He also reiterated Prime Minister’s policy of peaceful neighborhood and non-interference in the region.

The SAPM highlighted the marked improvement in the internal security situation of the country as a result of Pakistan’s comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy, involving law enforcement measures through the National Action Plan, as well as targeted military action through Operation Zarb-e-Azb.

Ambassador Yasser Murad welcomed Pakistan’s initiative to organize the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process Ministerial Conference, as well as its concerted effort for peace and stability in the entire region. He acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, and stressed the need for concerted international efforts and close cooperation to address the menace posed by terrorism and violent extremism.

Islamabad
8 December 2015

490/2015