Islamabad (TDI): President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday called for enhanced cooperation with friendly regional nations in trade, economy, climate, and cultural exchanges.
He reiterated that Pakistan would continue to play its role as a responsible and peace-loving country.
The president, in his 8th address to the joint session of the parliament to mark the start of the new parliamentary year, stated that Pakistan is fully committed to regional peace, stability, and economic integration.
He said that Pakistan’s foreign policy would always be guided by national interests, global cooperation, and the principles of sovereignty and mutual respect.
Calling the “time-tested” relations with China a cornerstone of Pakistan’s diplomacy, he said Pakistan would continue to further strengthen economic and strategic ties with Beijing.
He said that Pakistan will further cement its All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with China and continue to support the One-China Policy.
The President recalled his “fruitful” discussions with the Chinese leadership during his recent tour to China in which he invited them to make more investments in CPEC to boost regional and economic integration.
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President Zardari said that both countries had reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening economic collaboration and that the benefits of CPEC would reach every corner of Pakistan.
He acknowledged the support of “trusted” friends including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkiye, and others who have supported Pakistan in times of economic challenges.
“We are committed to further strengthening our longstanding historical, cultural, and economic relations with the friendly countries of the Gulf and Central Asia as well as the European Union, the UK, and the US,” he stated.
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Referring to the arrest of top-tier ISKP terrorist Sharifullah, he stated that the recent successful counterterrorism collaboration between the US and Pakistan was encouraging and both countries should build on these successes to renew and expand cooperation for joint goals.
