Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pakistan firmly believes in promoting peace, security and development in the South Asian region. In a speech at Los Angeles World Affairs Council, the top Pakistani diplomat stated that Islamabad has all along supported the people and government of Afghanistan towards peace, security and progress.
Pakistan, he said, sees a peaceful and stable Afghanistan in the larger interest of the region and the country. Qureshi emphasised that for regional peace and stability, Pakistan favours dialogue with India to resolve all outstanding issues including the decades-old Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
During his talk, the foreign minister touched upon internal developments, role of the democratic government in fighting terrorism and extremism, Pakistan - US partnership, and regional situation with special reference to Afghanistan and Pakistan-India relations.
He reiterated that the democratic government's resolve to fight and root out the menace of terrorism and extremism from the society with the support of international community.
On Pakistan-United States bilateral relations, the foreign minister highlighted the existing 'Strategic Partnership' framework and co-operative mechanism, which includes Kerry-Lugar Bill authorising $1.5 billion annually in economic aid to Pakistan over five years. He urged the United States to provide access to Pakistani goods by finalising the Free Trade Agreement.
The foreign minister's talk was attended by over 300 business leaders, investors, academics and people representing a wide spectrum of the American society. Foreign Minister Qureshi is in Los Angles on a three-day official visit. During his stay in Los Angles he has several speaking engagements, including with leading think tanks, research institutions, meeting with the LA Times Editorial Board, interaction with media and the Pakistani-American community.