Prime Minister chairs Concluding Session of the Envoys Conference

The Prime Minister of Pakistan chaired the concluding session of the three-day Envoys Conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 11, 2015. The theme of the Conference was Pakistan’s regional foreign policy with particular emphasis on connectivity and economic integration in the ECO and SAARC region. The Conference was attended by Pakistan’s Envoys posted in the 14 SAARC and ECO region as well the Ambassadors to Saudi Arabia and UAE. Representatives from relevant federal and provincial Ministries also participated in the Conference.

The Envoys highlighted the need for deepening our fraternal ties with the Middle Eastern and Gulf countries. The scope of regional economic integration particularly through ECO and SAARC was discussed. The Foreign Secretary presented the recommendations to the Prime Minister, based on the deliberations of the Envoys with regard to realizing Pakistan’s potential as an economic and trade hub.

In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister urged the Ambassadors to answer their “collective calling” in promoting economic interests and building cultural bridges in the region. He stressed that Pakistani diasporas should remain an absolute priority for our Envoys. He referred to the mega project of China Pakistan Economic Corridor that had the potential of making Pakistan a regional hub and changing the economic landscape of the region. Referring to recent remarks by the Indian leadership as “imprudent”, he expressed disappointment over the lack of response from India to Pakistan’s sincere efforts in resuming the dialogue process.

The Foreign Secretary thanked the Prime Minister and on behalf of the Envoys, reiterated the commitment to carry on implementation of foreign policy in line of the vision given by the Prime Minister.

The Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security & Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Mr. Tariq Fatemi, Minister Commerce Eng. Khurram Dastgir Khan and Minister for Planning & Development Ahsan Iqbal also attended the Session

Islamabad
12 June 2015

232/2015