ISLAMABAD: State Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Sunday that the Speakers conference had projected a softer image of Pakistan, besides conveying the message that countries in the regional were united in their fight against terrorism.
The minister congratulated the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ayaz Sadiq, for his efforts in convening the conference where speakers from parliaments of six major countries in the region – China, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan and Turkey – participated. The participants also vowed to promote regional connectivity.
She said from now onwards the participating countries would formulate their foreign, strategic and anti-terrorism policies in consultation. The regional unity and connectivity could also contribute to resolving trade related issues, she asserted.
Marriyum said Pakistan did not want assistance from western states. “We are desirous of only trade related opportunities,” she said.
The minister said increased regional connectivity, people-to-people contact and cultural interaction among countries of the region could go a long way in cementing stability and strengthening linkages.
Replying a question, she said the conference had led to a common vision against terrorism and promotion of contacts among countries in the region.
Published in Daily Times, December 25th 2017.
