In continuation of his visits to important institutions and ministries to get briefings and offer his guidelines, the prime minister visited the Foreign Office on Saturday for an in-depth discussion on foreign policy.
Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Special Assistant to the PM on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi participated in the briefing.
The prime minister stressed the importance of a peaceful and stable neighbourhood and Pakistan’s positive contribution to the creation of such an environment. He made it clear that Pakistan will never support any single group in Afghanistan, nor will it interfere in the neighbourly country.
“The prime minister’s primary focus was on the pursuit of policies to strengthen Pakistan’s relations with neighbouring countries, the advancement of national development goals, and enhancement of Pakistan’s international stature,” said the spokesman at the Foreign Office.
According to the spokesman, the briefing was given by Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani, who highlighted the ‘current regional and international environment’, in which Pakistan’s foreign policy is operating.
“He noted the positive international reaction to the successful democratic transition in Pakistan and the optimism generated since the installation of the new government for qualitative improvement in relations with a broad range of countries,” said the spokesman.
On taking over the office of prime minister, Nawaz Sharif had sent directives to the Foreign Office while outlining his vision for the country’s foreign policy.
At the time, Nawaz had told the Foreign Office that, “Unless the region is peaceful, our efforts for growth and development will not meet with success. I stress on the importance of developing regional consensus on supporting a stable government and peace in Afghanistan.”
Afghanistan was discussed in great detail on Saturday, as today (Sunday), Sartaj Aziz would be leaving for Kabul at a time when bilateral relations have dipped to a new low and there are daily accusations from across the western border.
There are no high expectations from the visit but it is surely an indication that Nawaz Sharif is giving high priority to relations, especially as fears of a civil war after the withdrawal of Nato forces increase by the day.
The premier has also given Sartaj Aziz a mandate to bring all segments of Afghans, including the government, to the negotiating table and move towards reconciliation.
Earlier, the prime minister had stressed upon the need to progressively pursue normalcy in bilateral relations, while actively seeking solutions for all outstanding issues, including the disputed Jammu & Kashmir region.
Though back-channel diplomacy is never very popular in the Foreign Office, Nawaz was briefed on the progress of finalising dates for the resumption of the bilateral dialogue.
It was his special envoy for back-channel diplomacy, Shehryar Khan, who has brought back details of his recent deliberations in Delhi, to help streamline future talks.
The Foreign Office has also from time to time, especially on matters related to India, pointed out that the political leadership is needed to make progress. Expectations are there from meetings of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh.
The spokesman pointed out that the briefing particularly focused on Pakistan’s bilateral ties with immediate neighbours as well as on other key relationships. The foreign secretary highlighted the main aspects of the major relationships and presented the Foreign Office’s recommendations.
However, the ministry did not make public these recommendations which come from some of the finest diplomats in the region.
The prime minister shared his vision and gave specific directions on dealing with these issues. He emphasised the imperatives of the promotion of trade and pursuit of economic diplomacy.
“No foes and friendship with everyone,” would be the hallmark of the new foreign policy that is being shaped in the light of the extensive briefing given to Nawaz Sharif.
Diplomatic observers are of the view that the briefing that has taken place a day before an important visit of Sartaj Aziz to the Afghan capital Kabul has great significance. The PM’s adviser will deliver a special message from Nawaz Sharif to the Afghan president during his visit.
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