The government is making hectic diplomatic efforts towards taking important quarters onboard before agreeing to attend the swearing-in of Indian primier-elect Narendra Modi. Diplomatic sources privy to the development told Business Recorder that the Foreign Office has recommended to the Prime Minister to accept the invitation, however, the Prime Minister has not yet completed consultations with the concerned quarters.
The sources further stated that Pakistan is also looking forward for a green signal from New Delhi for converting the trip into an opportunity to discuss the outstanding issues between the two countries with Modi. However, a final decision would be taken by the Prime Minister himself, the sources said, adding if he opts to skip the oath-taking ceremony of Modi, he would send his representative to take part in the ceremony, scheduled for Monday.
The Foreign Office on Wednesday confirmed that it has received an invitation from India to the Prime Minister for attending the swearing-in ceremony of premier-elect Modi on May 26 (Monday). Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told reporters on the eve of a reception to commemorate Pakistan-Africa friendship at the Foreign Office that a decision on India's invitation is yet to be taken.
He said that consultations are continuing among the stakeholders regarding the Prime Minister's expected visit to India, adding that the Foreign Office has already forwarded its opinion to the Prime Minister. The Adviser further said that Pakistan desires good relations with India. In his brief chat, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan T.C.A Raghavan said that India has forwarded in invitation to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to attend the oath-taking ceremony and "we are waiting for any response".
He said that almost all the SAARC leaders have accepted the invitations sent to them expect for Bangladeshi Prime Minister who is on a trip to Japan; and she has nominated Speaker of the Parliament to represent her Earlier, addressing the reception, the Advisor to the Prime Minister for National Security and Foreign Affairs highlighted the potential for further strengthening relations with Africa, stated that the Prime Minister is keen to fortify trade and commercial ties with all the regions of the world, particularly with Africa.
He added that Pakistan wishes to further enhance its relations with this continent. He also recalled the important role Pakistan has played in the decolonization of these countries and maintenance of peace through contribution to the UN peace-keeping operations. "Now it is the propitious moment to translate this political goodwill into tangible trade and commercial relations," he added. Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, in his welcome remarks, stated that strengthening ties with the African countries is in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
The Government of Pakistan under the guidance of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif accords great importance to its relations with Africa, a continent with which we have deep rooted historic and cultural ties, he said. He expressed the hope that the existing cordial relations will be further strengthened in the years ahead.
In this context, he said a seminar was also organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on "Pakistan - Africa Relations: Potential and Challenges". He said that a similar event will be organized in Lahore by the Chambers of Commerce and Industries to emphasise Pakistan's interest in enhancing trade with Africa which is the second largest continent with a population of over 1 billion and a GDP of US $2.20 trillion.
The Ambassadors of the African countries based in Islamabad deeply appreciated the initiatives of the Government to organise these events. The function was attended by members of diplomatic corps, honorary consuls, academia, senior government officials, media representatives and prominent personalities.
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