'Economic diplomacy an integral part of foreign policy'

Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri said 'economic diplomacy' had become integral part of Pakistan's foreign policy, and efforts were underway to increase the country's exports by properly using services of Pakistani foreign missions. He stated this while talking to Business Recorder after the opening ceremony of Honorary Consulate of Philippines in Lahore on Friday.
Kasuri maintained Pakistani products were being exported to other than traditional markets, while new places were also being explored for marketing Pakistani products so as to earn precious foreign exchange.
He said the foreign office, in consultation with concerned ministries, had chalked out a strategy for strengthening the country's economy by giving boost to exports. In the foreign policy, the financial interests of the country were given paramount importance, he said.
Talking to newsmen on this occasion, he said Pakistan would not recognise Israel till the establishment of an independent Palestinian State with its capital in Bait-ul-Muqaddas. He said Iran had not communicated anything in black and white to Pakistan regarding gas pipeline project. He said Pakistan was willing to deploy forces in troubled areas of Pak-Afghan border. Quoting recent survey conducted by Refugees Commission of United Nations, he said more than 3.1 million Afghan refugees were still in Pakistan.
Talking to newsmen on this occasion, Ambassador of Pakistan in US, General Jahangir Karamat (Retd) said Pakistan was framing policies keeping in view its own interests, while America was not exerting any pressure on Pakistan.
He said American President George Bush was likely to visit Pakistan in February 2006; however, final date was yet to be fixed.
He was of the view that 'normalcy' in Pakistan's relations with Israel would be in the country's interests.
He said policies of the present government had started yielding good results, as country's economy was growing, new markets were being explored, while new investment was being made. He said political, defence and economic relations with the US were being improved gradually. He said people who were being deported from America were either in prisons or involved in criminal activities.
Earlier, addressing on this occasion, Adviser to Chief Minister Punjab Mowahid Hussain said opening of Consulate of Philippines in Lahore would enhance trade relations between Pakistan and Philippines.
The Honorary Consul of Philippines, Rizwan Fareed told Business Recorder that existing trade volume between Pakistan and Philippines was around dollars 30 million but it could be enhanced significantly. He said Philippines could help improve textile exports of Pakistan.
Addressing on the occasion, Embassy of Philippines Charge d' Affaires H E Ma Agnes M Cervantes said Consulate of Philippines in Lahore would help improve bilateral trade relations between the two countries.