America News Agency

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar assessed his country’s multilateral foreign policy approach and regional peace initiatives in his remarks to diplomats.

Dar stated that Pakistan will continue to play an active role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), will assume its presidency during the year, and will host the Heads of State Summit in 2027. He added that the goal is to strengthen cooperation in trade, connectivity, security, and sustainable development across Eurasia.

Emphasizing that strategic cooperation with China under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is one of the key pillars of regional integration, Dar also noted that a broad partnership with the European Union continues in the areas of political dialogue, trade, and development.

He stated that relations with Africa are advancing on the basis of historical solidarity and peacekeeping contributions, noting that Pakistani UN peacekeepers contribute to stability on the continent.

In the Middle East, Dar said they support international initiatives for lasting peace in Gaza and advocate for an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Dar noted active contributions to efforts to reduce tensions in the Gulf region and promote diplomatic dialogue, referring to contacts with various parties including Iran and the United States to facilitate ceasefire and negotiation processes. He also highlighted the extended talks hosted in Islamabad.

Dar emphasized that Pakistan is open to dialogue and cooperation with all its neighbors, stating that lasting peace can only be achieved on the basis of mutual respect, international law, and the framework of the United Nations.