Prime Minister addresses Concluding Session of Envoys Conference

(2011-12-13)

Addressing the concluding session of the two-days Envoys Conference today, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani stressed that Pakistan’s foreign policy was based on immutable principles. The Charter of the United Nations, norms of inter-state conduct and international law provided the framework for Pakistan’s endeavours to ensure peace and security– both in its own region and the world.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan’s cooperation with US/NATO/ISAF was based on respect of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Under no circumstances, Pakistan could accept flagrant transgression of our territorial frontlines. This remains the base line and there can be no compromise on our sovereignty, dignity and national honour.”

The Prime Minister commended the Foreign Office for its continued efforts in ensuring that Pakistan’s diplomacy had the resilience and efficacy to overcome all challenges posed by a complex global and regional environment.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar welcomed the Prime Minister and apprised him of the deliberations at the conference on (i) evaluation of the regional situation and implications for Pakistan; (ii) identification of core foreign policy objectives; and (iii) review of the terms of cooperation between Pakistan and US/NATO/ISAF.

Ms. Sherry Rehman, Ambassador nominated to the United States, presented the recommendations made by the Envoys Conference to the Prime Minister. She said that, as directed by the Prime Minister, the Envoys of Pakistan from select capitals evaluated important aspects of Pakistan’s foreign policy. They were also guided by the resolutions adopted by Parliament (22 October 2008 and 14 May 2011) which reflected the aspirations of the people of Pakistan. The Envoys discussed a wide range of Pakistan’s relationships with key countries, as well as international organizations and assessed the overall regional situation.

The Envoys Conference reaffirmed that Pakistan’s external relations continued to be based on the principles of respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity in accordance with international law as enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

Yesterday, the plenary session of the Envoys Conference was chaired by Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar. In her opening remarks, the Foreign Minister emphasized that Pakistan’s foreign policy was to realize the Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of “peace within and peace without”. She underlined that Pakistan’s national interests would continue to govern its relations with other countries. The plenary session was also addressed by the Finance Minister, Chairman Chief Joint Staff Committee and Director General ISI.

Islamabad
13 December 2011

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