Pakistan’s stature raised for solid stance on progress, peace: FM Qureshi

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said Pakistan’s stature in the world was raised due to its resolve for socioeconomic development and ensuring peace.

In a tweet, the foreign minister shared a video clip highlighting the two-year diplomatic success of the country with a focus on strengthening ties with other countries for socioeconomic development and ensuring peace.

Pakistan’s stature in the comity of nations stands elevated because of our perseverance in the pursuit of the principles of peace, progress, security and stability. https://t.co/el7MF3GCwh#2YearDiplomaticSuccess

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) August 26, 2020

The video gave glimpses of key diplomatic achievements including effective highlighting of Kashmir issue at international fora with thrice discussed at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), debt relief announced by global economic bodies call of Prime Minister Imran Khan and countering of India’s efforts to isolate Pakistan.

A major diplomatic success included visits of world leaders to Pakistan, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohamad bin Salman, UAE Crown Prince Zayed Al Nahyan, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and  Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

Other areas included the transformation of relations with China into economic partnership with important targets achieved in Phase-II of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) & Sino-Pak Free Trade Agreement and the establishment of Pak-Saudi Supreme Coordination Council.

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s key role in negotiating a peace deal between the United States and the Afghan Taliban and diffusing tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran are other achievements.

The long list of Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements also includes the return of international sports to Pakistan, the opening of Kartarpur Corridor to honor the longstanding desire of the Sikh community, the release of 8,608 Pakistani prisoners from foreign jails and reinforcement of regulations on illicit financial flows.