Islamabad (Web Desk): Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani has expressed Pakistan's firm commitment to remain a strong partner in all endeavors for peace, stability and development of the region and beyond.
He was speaking on the occasion of inauguration of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Corner at Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad on Monday.
"A peaceful and stable Asia Pacific is a priority for Pakistan and it stands ready to work with the ASEAN member states for confidence building and conflict prevention," FM Jilani said.
The foreign minister said that being the proponent of multilateralism, Pakistan believes that a recommitment to the fundamental principles of the UN charter is the need of the hour.
"It is important that we reaffirm our support for an international order based on peaceful coexistence, amicable settlements of disputes, win-win cooperation and shared prosperity, he said, adding that there is a need to avoid bloc politics and geo-political constructs.
FM Jilani said that Pakistan wants to work with all countries on the basis of mutual benefit and mutual respect and trust. He said it is the most prudent way to leverage our strengths to the advantage of our peoples.
"Pakistan is a proponent and beneficiary of regional cooperation and connectivity," he said, adding that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a physical manifestation of our belief in the idea of regional connectivity.
"It is a pity that South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which was established exactly on the same line as ASEAN, despite its immense potential has fallen victim to Indian intransigence.".
He however said Pakistan remains focused on deepening its relationship with various regions and organizations including ASEAN.
The foreign minister said that Pakistan has very special relationship with many ASEAN member states which are deeply rooted in culture, religion and history.
"Both Pakistan and the South East Asia face common challenges including climate change, pandemic, terrorism, Islamophobia, migration from conflict zones and cyber security," FM Jilani said, stressing for evolving common solutions to tackle mutual concerns.