LAHORE, July 24: Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has said that Pakistan is a sovereign state and it will not accept hegemony of any country in the region.

Talking to reporters at the Lahore Airport on her return from Indonesia on Sunday after attending a ministerial meeting of the Asean regional forum, she said Pakistan’s role in the region was by no means less than that of India.

Ms Khar said outstanding issues with India could not be settled overnight. The issue of Kashmir is on the preferential agenda of Pakistan because the country wants durable peace in the region.

She said the international community must cooperate with Pakistan in recognition of its role as a frontline ally in combating terror.

Responding to a question, she said she and the Chinese foreign minister had discussed bilateral relations during a meeting.

About her meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, she said Pakistan-US relations came under discussion, adding that national interest required a strong working relationship with the US.

She said Ms Clinton had expressed her desire to put relations with Pakistan back on track and remove any reservations between the two countries. Ms Khar said Ms Clinton had agreed on a meeting at the foreign ministers’ level.

“Whatever be the role of any country in the region, Pakistan’s importance cannot be undermined and this fact is acknowledged by the US,” she said.

About Ghulam Nabi Fai, she said that the Kashmiri leader had worked for the Kashmir cause in line with the US law and the constitution. Pakistan, she added, admired Dr Fai’s immense services for the people of Kashmir.—APP