Prime Minister's Advisor on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Friday underlined the need for making the D-8 platform more beneficial for member states, especially by implementing its accords encompassing Preferential Trade Agreements (PTA). The advisor was talking to D-8 Secretary-General Syed Ali Mohammad Mousavi who called on him here at the Foreign Office.
According to Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam, Secretary-General appreciated Pakistan's active role as D-8 Chair while exchanging views with the Advisor. She said Sartaj Aziz stressed to make the D-8 more productive and beneficial for the member states, especially by implementing its Agreements including Preferential Trade Agreements. The advisor assured the Secretary General of Pakistan's full support in achieving the objectives of the organisation.
The D-8 Secretary General, who is here to attend the sixth Islamic Countries Think Tank Forum, also called on Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry. The way forward for the organisation in light of the recommendations made by the D-8 Eminent Persons Group was discussed, the spokesperson said. The Secretary General thanked the Foreign Secretary for the efforts of Pakistan's leadership in obtaining 'Observer Status' for the Organisation at the United Nations and the positive contribution it was making to promote the D-8 agenda. Pakistan assumed the D-8 chair in November 2012 for the period 2012-2014. Pakistan will remain the Organisation's Chair for 2015-2016. The 36th session of the D-8 Commission will be held in Islamabad on June 4-5, 2015.