ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry has described Pakistan-China friendship as a source of stability in the region and said no one should worry about growing relationship between the two countries.
He was replying to question during weekly news briefing in Islamabad today regarding India’s concern about handing over of Gwadar Port to Chinese Authorities.
The spokesman said both the countries are time tested friends.
He said we have shown a great degree of responsibility and restraint on incidents of violations of Line of Control and hostile statements by India.
Replying to a question about travel advisory issued by the US State Department for its citizens‚ the spokesman said Pakistan security situation has improved to a great deal and a number of visitors and investors are travelling to the country.
Regarding European Union Election Observers decision to not to travel to FATA and Balochistan‚ he said it is their own decision. He said after getting accreditation from the Election Commission all observers are issued a travel advisory by the Interior Ministry. He said so far they have received requests from National Democratic Institute‚ Commonwealth‚ United Kingdom‚ Turkey‚ Malaysia‚ Australia‚ Mauritius and Maldives for sending their election observers and their case is under process.
He said Pakistan welcomes foreign election observers because our leadership is committed to hold free‚ fair and transparent elections in the country. He said this exercise will help improve our credibility.
About threatening statements by North Korea‚ the Foreign Office Spokesman said Pakistan shares the concern of international community on the recent tension and deteriorating situation in Korean Peninsula. He said Pakistan always supports nuclear free Korea Peninsula. He said we monitoring the evolving situation in Korean Peninsula and take necessary measures to ensure the safety of our diplomats and staff there.
Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhary said dialogue on strategic issues is going to be held on 25th of this month between Pakistan and Russia as part of the ongoing consultative rounds of meetings. He said issues relating to disarmament‚ non-proliferation‚ strategic stability in South Asia and cooperation in Science and Technology would be discussed during the meeting.
To a question‚ the spokesman said Pakistan is not a part of any scoring game on its nuclear programme. He said Pakistan’s programme is only for deterrence purposes.
Answering a question regarding new labour and residency laws in Saudi Arabia‚ the spokesman said Pakistan has taken up the matter with the Saudi Authorities and Pakistan Counsel General visited the deportation camps and jails there. In this regard Pakistan has also written a letter to Saudi King saying that Pakistanis are a factor contributing towards Saudi economy. Saudi Arabia has given a three months grace period to Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia to regularise their status. He said Pakistan Embassy there is in touch with Saudi Authorities to protect the interests of our people.
To a question‚ the spokesman said we are developing relations with Egypt in a positive way and any individual statement cannot affect the trajectory of our relations.
About current status of Pakistan-US relations‚ he said we have regular contacts with US at all levels and relationship is being advanced on the basis of mutual respect‚ dignity and mutuality of benefits. He hoped that the new elected leadership in Pakistan will take the process forward.
Regarding Afghanistan‚ he said there are challenges‚ but Pakistan and Afghan leadership are trying to resolve the issues. He said peaceful‚ stable and prosperous Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan.
