Pakistan is keen to further develop political, security and economic relationship with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in line with its vision East Asia Policy. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar stated this at the ministerial meeting of fourteenth Asean Regional Forum (ARF) held in Manila, says a Foreign Office press release issued here.
ADDRESSING THE FORUM, THE MINISTER OF STATE UNDERLINED:
Pakistan's perspective on major regional and international security challenges. He spoke about the significance of composite dialogue process with India for resolving all outstanding issues including the occupied Kashmir dispute. Bakhtyar also underscored Pakistan's contribution towards international campaign against terrorism and extremism. He urged the need to adopt a holistic approach to deal with the scourge through inter-civilisation dialogue and understanding among followers of different faiths.
The Minister of State stated that Pakistan was making its utmost contribution towards achieving peace and security in Afghanistan. He said Pakistan was committed to support all efforts aimed at resolving the issues faced by the Middle East including Palestine, Iraq and Lebanon.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Minister of State held meetings with the Foreign Ministers of China, Sri Lanka, Republic of Korea, Lao PDR and the Philippines and the Deputy Foreign Minister of Canada. During the meetings, issues of mutual interests and Pakistan's bilateral relations with respective countries were discussed.