ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to achieving common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security in Asia.
The Deputy PM made the remarks while participating virtually in the 7th Ministerial Meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), hosted by CICA Chair Azerbaijan in virtual format, said a statement issued by the foreign office on Tuesday.
The meeting focused on enhancing regional cooperation, promoting peace, and advancing sustainable development in Asia.
“The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the CICA’s vision of achieving common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security in Asia,” the statement said.
He highlighted CICA’s immense potential in addressing the region’s key challenges including political disputes, conflicts, and endemic poverty that continue to hinder collective progress.
Underlining the importance of dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to international law, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister called for just and inclusive political solutions for long-standing disputes such as Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir.
A key focus of Pakistan’s statement was the imperative of strengthening regional connectivity to foster economic integration and sustainable development.
The 7th Meeting of CICA Ministerial Council continues with the statements by Heads of Delegation of the CICA Member States, including People's Republic of #China, Islamic Republic of #Pakistan, Republic of #Tajikistan,Republic of #Uzbekistan, etc., as well as statements by Guests pic.twitter.com/EakSwHdh3s
— Azerbaijan Emb. to Pakistan (@AzEmbPak) December 17, 2024
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister emphasised the vital role of connectivity initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in promoting shared growth, facilitating infrastructure development, and enhancing trade and energy links across Asia. These projects, he noted, can serve as catalysts for regional economic cooperation and prosperity.
It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan is a founding member of CICA, a multi-national forum aimed at enhancing cooperation and confidence-building among its 28 member states to promote peace, security, stability, and prosperity in Asia.
