ISLAMABAD: Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday invited the opposition parties for a discussion with the government on the foreign policy issues facing the country.
Speaking on the floor of the Senate, he said the political parties should pursue a bipartisan approach in foreign affairs in line with the national interest.
The minister said that the parties, which were in government multiple times, were very much responsible for the present state of foreign affairs.
Despite the attempts of India, Pakistan had the support of the global community now, which had became evident from the backing it received at different international forums, he remarked.
Qureshi recalled that the friendly countries came to the rescue of Pakistan in its hour of need and gave timely financial assistance.
He criticised the opposition for ignoring the Kashmir issue, while pursuing its vested political interests.
He said that the government was focused on economic diplomacy and it was engaging Africa – a continent of 57 countries – adding that exports to the continent has increased by seven per cent.
In the next stage, the countries of Europe will be engaged to boost mutual economic interests, he added.
The foreign minister stated that good relations with neighbouring countries were a pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
He further informed the House that the relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan had improved and both countries had signed a document on their shared vision, adding the Pakistani government made contacts with all ethnic groups in Afghanistan.
