Nawaz Sharif outlines govt's foreign policy priorities

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has outlined his government's foreign policy priorities of pursuing aggressive 'economic diplomacy' and favouring a 'peaceful neighbourhood'.

According to the foreign ministry, Sharif provided an outline of the priorities of the government on foreign policy to serve as basic guidelines for embassies/missions abroad, reports The Express Tribune.

The crippling energy crises figures high on the government's foreign policy guidelines, as Sharif directed heads of missions abroad to identify potential bilateral and multilateral partners to help address the country's energy woes through tangible project proposals in the traditional and renewable energy sectors.

He also directed them to aggressively pursue economic diplomacy and promotion of Pakistan's interests in the realms of trade, foreign investment, and economic cooperation.

Sharif noted that the government's immediate attention was focused on the country's neighbours. He said that unless the region is peaceful, the government's efforts for growth and development would not be met successfully.

Sharif underscored the importance of developing a regional consensus on supporting a stable government in Afghanistan. He affirmed that the policy of an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned process of peace and reconciliation will be pursued.

Regarding India, Sharif said there is a need to progressively pursue normalcy in bilateral relations, while actively seeking solutions to all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.

Sharif also said that Pakistan would continue to pursue 'close cooperative relations' with Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran. He said Pakistan would strengthen strategic ties with China, a significant economic partner.

He also spoke of enhancing ties with Russia, which is an important partner and regional power.

He said the new government would develop a "comprehensive strategy and a national consensus" in consultation will all political parties, security forces, media and the civil society in dealing with growing threat of terrorism.