US will have to understand Pakistan's requirements: FM Qureshi
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi addressed press conference in Islamabad.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Friday said that Pakistan’s all institutions are on the same page.
Addressing a media briefing in Islamabad today (Friday), he said the government will present an effective and solid point of view of Pakistan before world.
Qureshi said that the PTI government will make all out efforts to get Pakistan out of Financial Action Task Force grey list, adding that he would not at all like that Pakistan is placed on the black list. He said the government will take every measure on this count.
Peace in Region and Afghanistan
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that the regional peace is an important element of the country s foreign policy, adding that peace, stability and economic development are of vital importance to move ahead and for achieving goals of shared development and prosperity.
We need to restore peace in the region, he said and added peace in Afghanistan is necessary for peace in Pakistan and we can play a positive role in restoring lasting peace in Afghanistan. “Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has also given a positive indication.”
Pakistan, India Ties
Commenting on the Pakistan, India ties, the foreign minister said that the relations between nuclear armed arch rivals is not concealed from anyone, adding that restoration of peace is priority of the PTI government’s foreign policy.
He said that we couldn’t take advantage from the SAARC platform which we should have.
“SAARC is an important forum to promote regional cooperation,” he said. “Oversees Pakistanis are our great asset and we they should create a suitable environment at the international level.”
“The prime minister has sent a clear message saying take one step and we will take two steps after which a felicitation letter from Indian external affairs minister was received,” he added.
The foreign minister said that Pak-India relations are victim of delay and both the countries will have to look into the prospects that how they can move forward.
He said dialogue is the only way forward to resolve all the outstanding issue between India and Pakistan.
CPEC and Chienese Foreign Minister’s Visit
Qureshi said that Prime Minister Imran Khan was given detailed briefing about Pakistan’s foreign policy in today’s federal cabinet meeting, while China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project was also discussed in the meeting which will have a huge impact on country’s future.
The minister added that Chinese foreign minister will reach Pakistan on September 8 or 9 on an official visit.
He said that his Chinese counterpart also showed his willingness to visit Pakistan very soon. He said his visit will further expand the existing ties between the two countries.
He said Pak-China everlasting friendship is unprecedented.
US-Pakistan Ties
Speaking about the US-Pakistan ties, he said that the US State Department statement after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo s telephone call to Prime Minister Imran Khan was not based on reality.
Qureshi said Mike Pompeo is expected to visit Pakistan in the first week of September.
He said that Pakistan s attitude on the foreign policy front is not, and will not be apologetic and we will safeguard our interests.
“The US will have to understand Pakistan’s needs,” he said and added he is looking forward for the US secretary of state who is expected to visit Pakistan on September 5.
Pompeo’s meeting with PM Imran Khan will be very important, he added.
The foreign minister said that the importance of European Union (EU) can not be denied, adding that Pakistan’s econmic condition is not hidden from anyone. The minister also emphasized on exploring markets of the European Union and African countries to enhance trade and investment for Pakistan.
Qureshi said that he would not at all like that Pakistan is placed on the black list, adding that the government will take every measure on this count.
“To overcome economic problems, Pakistan needs help from oversease Pakistanis,” he added.
He said that oversees Pakistanis are our great asset and they should create a suitable environment and highlight soft image of Pakistan international level.
The foreign minister said political and economic centers of gravity are shifting and the world is again becoming unipolar to multipolar. He said foreign policy should be framed according to the new needs and requirements.
US-Iran Tensions
Regarding US-Iran tensions, Shah said that the strained ties between the two countries is not hidden from anyone, adding that the process of division of power on international level is underway and we have to devise a strategy to move forward.
The minister said that Iran is our neighbour and Pakistan is desirous of peaceful and stable border with Iran.
He said the foreign minister of Iran expressed his desire to visit Pakistan and we will warmly welcome him.
PM’s Austerity Drive
Regarding austerity drive of Prime Minister Imran Khan, he said the foreign minister will not stay in five star hotels during his visits abroad and will prefer to stay in Pakistani missions.
He also announced not to travel by first class and to curtail large entourage. He said it has been decided that no minister or secretary will undertake any foreign trip without permission of the prime minister.
