ISLAMABAD, Nov 30: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Tuesday that Pakistan earnestly desired amicable and peaceful relations with all countries in the region on the principle of mutual respect for each other's sovereignty , adding that the ongoing composite dialogue with India represented this desire.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the general assembly of the Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace (Aapp), the prime minister said Pakistan was of the firm belief that resolution of disputes and enhanced bilateral and regional cooperation would mark the beginning of an era of peace and prosperity in Asia, enabling the countries to use their resources to meet the challenges of poverty, globalization and economic development.

He said Pakistan favoured a comprehensive and integrated approach whereby bilateral relations were predicated on progress towards the settlement of Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiri people. The process of engagement must be sustained to make the dialogue result-oriented and successful, he added.

Mr Aziz said democracy, development and peace had been cherished desires since ages and added that democratic institutions working with complete freedom and sovereignty were a prerequisite for political stability.

He expressed the hope that AAPP would go a long way in promoting peace and prosperity in Asia through interactive dialogue, shared understanding and cooperation. He noted that notwithstanding many crises, Asia today was hub of economic growth and accounted for a quarter of global exports and one-third of the world economy.

Mr Aziz maintained that it was, therefore, essential to work towards comprehensive and integrated socio-economic development of the entire continent with a long-term strategic partnership for increased foreign investment. He said the greatest achievement of the present era was undoubtedly the decisive victory of freedom and democracy over obscure and outdated governance structures.