ISLAMABAD: Expressing the firm commitment to regional peace and security, Pakistan on Saturday highlighted its perspective on the situation prevailing in India-held Kashmir and Gaza.

Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi reaffirmed Pakistan’s position while leading a delegation at the 31st Asean Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial meeting in Vientiane, Laos.

Participating in the meeting, the foreign secretary underscored Pakistan’s firm commitment to regional peace, security and cooperation as well as the importance attached by Islamabad to its relations with Asean and its member states.

Mr Qazi appreciated the positive role played by Asean in regional integration and prosperity, according to a Foreign Office press release.

The foreign secretary shared Pakistan’s perspective on conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region, stressing the need for dialogue and inclusiveness instead of bloc politics to address these issues.

He highlighted the plight of the people of India-held Kashmir and called for the resolution of the dispute in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

He also presented Pakistan’s perspective on the regional hotspots, including the situation in Gaza and Afghanistan.

On the sidelines of ARF Ministerial meeting, Foreign Secretary Qazi met Asean Deputy Secretary General Dato Astnaah Abdul Aziz, China’s Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Secretary General of Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dato Sri Amran Mohamed Zin.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2024