ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: A three-day Envoys’ Conference began at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Monday to discuss the country’s foreign policy and prepare recommendations in view of regional developments.
The Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz was presiding over the Conference in which envoys of Pakistan accredited to various capitals and multilateral institutions were participating.
The envoys included Jalil Abbas Jilani (Washington DC), Masood Khalid (Beijing), Abdul Basit (New Delhi), Maleeha Lodhi (UN New York), Ayesha Riyaz (Vienna), Naghmana Hashmi (Brussels/EU), Abrar Hussain (Afghanistan), Tehmina Janjua (UN/Geneva) and Qazi M. Khalilullah (Moscow).
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will grace the Envoys’ Conference at the concluding session during which he will enunciate his vision for regional and global peace. He will also elaborate his vision and milestones for making Pakistan energy self-sufficient through diversification of energy mix.
The prime minister will also highlight the immense potential of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects in terms of investment opportunities as well as reduction in unemployment and poverty.
The Envoys’ Conference is a regular feature in which Pakistan’s representatives in various regions brief the government on important developments in their respective areas of accreditation, and challenges and opportunities arising out of such developments.
The envoys also present their recommendations towards existing foreign policy with a view to review, adapt and recalibrate policy in accordance with the prevalent strategic, political and economic trends.
Last year’s Envoys’ Conference had focused on connectivity, and regional issues and developments.