Islamabad, 26 November 2021 (TDI): Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi represented Islamabad at the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) yesterday. The two-day Summit is being virtually streamed from Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
ASEM is an informal political platform that aims to create a dialogue between member states on the issues of social, political, and economic importance which affect both continents.
The dialogue intends to foster a relationship of mutual respect and equal partnership between Asia and Europe.
The 13th Asia-Europe Summit #ASEM takes place today and tomorrow, virtually from Phnom Penh. It is the 25th Anniversary of ASEM: 53 partners from Europe and Asia have been fostering dialogue & cooperation, mutual respect & equal partnership between Asia and Europe since 1996. ⬇
— European External Action Service – EEAS 🇪🇺 (@eu_eeas) November 25, 2021
Pakistan’s Regional Importance
Speaking at the occasion, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi noted that Pakistan provides a vital link between the regions of South Asia, West Asia, and Central Asia.
In this regard, he shed light on various important projects Pakistan has signed for regional prosperity. He particularly mentioned the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a progressive project for the entire region.
While reflecting on Asia-Europe relations, Foreign Minister Qureshi stated that participants of the Summit must strengthen connections in areas of education, trade, business, security, culture, infrastructure, and science and technology.
Terrorism and Violent Extremism
Shah Mahmood Qureshi further stressed that terrorism and violent extremism are global issues and hence require a global effort to be eliminated.
The Foreign Minister also highlighted the Indian atrocities on Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) during the meeting. He called upon the international community to work together to resolve the Kashmir conflict.
The Minister insisted that a coherent and effective response must be devised for the resolution of longstanding disputes like that of Kashmir.
Afghanistan Crisis
Speaking about Afghanistan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi highlighted Pakistan’s efforts in providing humanitarian assistance and economic support to Kabul. He reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to promoting regional peace based on respect for a state’s sovereignty.
Moreover, he called upon the international community to extend financial assistance to Afghanistan, along with briefing the participants about Pakistan’s views on several regional and international issues.
