National News

ASHGABAT (Turkmenistan), (MILLAT+APP): Prime Minister Nawaz
Sharif Saturday said the regional connectivity and economic
integration were the key pillars of Pakistan’s foreign policy and
playing a role of gateway to the Central Asia.
Addressing the two-day Global Sustainable Transport
Conference, he said in the emerging global and regional
environment, Pakistan was happy to play its role as gateway
to the Central Asia.
The Prime Minister said the peaceful neighbourhood has
remained the norm of Pakistan`s foreign policy and no development
policies could yield fruit without peace and security.
He said Pakistan was fully committed to its responsibilities
as a partner in regional and economic integration.
With projects like China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
Pakistan has enhanced its geo-strategic location into a geo-economic
advantage, he added.
The Prime Minister said the CPEC was a package of multiple
infrastructure and development projects and would boost connectivity
within the region and integrate China, Central Asia, South Asia and
Middle East.
He said 21st century was the century of connectivity and
without adequate internal and regional communication networks,
countries would lag behind in progress.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said with mutual understanding
and collective endeavors, they would be able to deliver on the
promise of peace, prosperity and development of their peoples.
He announced Pakistan’s joining of Ashgabat Agreement and
Lapis Lazuli Corridor.
He hoped that the agreement would prove milestone in achieving
the dream of peaceful co-existence through integration of economies,
markets and cultures in South Asia, Central Asia and beyond.
Addressing the conference, President of Turkmenistan
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said the modern transport was helpful in
stabilizing global relations at regional and national levels.
He said Turkmenistan was pursuing effective policy for
developing the transport system and has presented two drafts
in the General Assembly.
Advisor to PM on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi, Advisor
to PM Irfan ul Haque Siddiqui and ambassador of Pakistan to
Turkmenistan were also present.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in his address said modern
transportation was imperative for bolstering international relations
and overall progress of the global community.
Earlier, the Prime Minister also visited the Monument of
Independence and laid a wreath.