ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said that Pakistan was pursuing a policy of strong cooperation with the regional countries especially with the next door neighbours for prosperity and enhanced connectivity.
He was speaking at an international conference “Policy of Neutrality: International cooperation for peace, security and development” held here in connection with 20th anniversary of the host country’s policy of permanent neutrality.
The Prime Minister said that under the changing scenarios and challenges, Pakistan’s policy was driven by the UN recognized principles of respect, peace and tolerance rooted deeply in the objectives of attaining greater regional prosperity through a number of mega development projects linking the entire region.
He said that Pakistan seeks friendly ties and respect on equal basis with all the countries and urged for respect of others’ cultures. “Pakistan seeks peace and pursue it through enhanced dialogue.”
He made it clear that there would be no peace within unless without.
Prime Minister Sharif mentioned the CASA-1000, China Pakistan Economic Corridor and road projects with Afghanistan which were manifestation of his policy to enhance regional connectivity.
Earlier, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov welcomed the dignitaries including heads of states and foreign ministers from the region, South Asia and Gulf region.
He said that neutrality policy adhered by Turkmenistan was beneficial for the whole region as well as to the whole world.
The Turkmen President highlighted the far reaching effects of their policy which helped in disarmament and elimination of weapons of mass destruction.
He referred to the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project as major energy conduit in the region as part of their grand efforts to share abundance natural resources with the regional countries.
President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Presidents of Belarus, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Georgia and Uzbekistan also spoke on the occasion.
Source: APP
