Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said regional connectivity and Economic integration are the key pillars of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Addressing the two-day Global Sustainable Transport Conference in Ashgabat on Saturday, he said that in the emerging global and regional environment Pakistan is happy to play its role as a gateway to Central Asia.
The Prime Minister said, “Peaceful neighbourhood has remained the norm of Pakistan`s foreign policy and no development policies can yield fruit without peace and security.”
“Pakistan is fully committed to its responsibilities as a partner in regional and Economic integration,” he said.
“Projects like CPEC and One Belt One Road Pakistan have enhanced its geostrategic location into a geo Economic advantage,” he added.
He said, “CPEC is a package of multiple infrastructure and development projects and will boost connectivity within the region and integrate China, Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East.”
“The 21st century is the century of connectivity and without adequate internal and regional communication networks countries will lag behind in progress,” the PM said.
He further added, “With mutual understanding and collective endeavours we will be able to deliver on the promise of peace, prosperity and development of our peoples.”
He announced Pakistan joining of Ashgabat Agreement and Lapis Lazuli Corridor.
Nawaz Sharif hoped that the agreement will prove a milestone in achieving the dream of peaceful co-existence through the integration of economies, markets and cultures in South Asia, Central Asia and beyond.
Addressing the conference, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said, “Modern transport is helpful in stabilising global relations at regional and national levels.”
“Turkmenistan is pursuing an effective policy for developing the transport system and has presented two drafts in the General Assembly,” he said.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in his address said modern transportation is imperative for bolstering international relations and overall progress of the global community.
