ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said on Tuesday that Pakistan’s decision in the 80s to get involved in the Western strategy to counter the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan led to many serious and long-term consequences for the country. However, he said, the new Strategic Vision for Pakistan’s Foreign Policy outlined by the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had taken into account all global and trans-regional challenges of security and stability. Aziz expressed these views during his speech at Chatham House, London on Monday. In his speech, he spelled out the Strategic Vision of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy and gave an insight into the country’s role in the security and stability in the region, according to a message received here from London on Tuesday. He explained that the strategic vision had four major pillars: “i) The first pillar is priority to our own security. This implies a policy of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs and refraining from fighting other’s wars or supporting causes of conflict that do not concern Pakistan directly. ii) Secondly, making economic revival and sustainable development the centrepiece of our foreign policy. A low rate of growth not only increases poverty and unemployment but also adversely affects our ability to protect our sovereignty and other vital national interests because of growing dependence on others. iii) Thirdly, economic revival and social progress cannot be sustained without a peaceful neighbourhood. This in turn requires improved relations with Afghanistan, India, Iran and China. iv) Finally, we are making concrete efforts to turn Pakistan’s geo-strategic location from a liability into an asset through trade, transport and energy connectivity with China, Central Asia and Western Asia. This in turn could help to re-balance our geo-strategic and geo-economic priorities.” Aziz briefed the audience on how Pakistan was earnestly implementing the Strategic Vision of its Foreign Policy by promoting regional connectivity, facilitating reconciliation in Afghanistan and seeking resumption of composite dialogue with India so that all outstanding issues, including the core issue of Kashmir, could be resolved. Aziz said that Pakistan’s ground realities were rapidly changing for the better, with a decisive and comprehensive action to combat violence, terrorism and extremism. He paid tribute to the heroic efforts and sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces in the Operation Zarb-e-Azb supplemented by measures like intelligence based operations, Madrassah reforms and conviction of terrorists through military courts. Improvement in the security situation has led to visible signs of economic revival and higher investment, stated the adviser. Additionally, the democratic process and institutions of Pakistan are becoming stronger, supported by an independent judiciary, a strong parliament, free media and a vibrant civil society, Aziz said. According to the adviser, Pakistan’s regional geo-strategic landscape was going to be converted from a liability into an asset due to its close relations with China, as evidenced in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and improved relations with Russia. However, he termed India’s RAW-inspired terrorist campaigns inside Pakistan and ceasefire violations on the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir a cause for concern. The adviser said that due to improved internal security situation coupled with favourable economic policies, Pakistan stood ready to receive foreign direct investment and ensure healthy profits on investments. The event was attended by a large number of distinguished scholars, researchers, foreign policy practitioners and media persons. The event concluded with a question answer-session session. Earlier, Aziz held meetings with Sir Mark Lyall-Grant, British national security adviser (NSA), and Sir Ciaran Devane, chief executive officer (CEO) of the British Council, as part of the review of the Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (ESD) between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. At the meeting, both sides agreed to continue their cooperation in the areas of counterterrorism, organised crime and illegal migration, says a message received here from London on Tuesday. Aziz appreciated UK’s support and assistance to Pakistan in countering the extremist threat. He briefed the British NSA on the initiatives taken by Pakistan to improve the security situation, including the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb and the National Action Plan (NAP). The adviser also highlighted Pakistan’s policy of “peaceful neighbourhood” and briefed his interlocutor on the steps taken by Pakistan to improve relations with its neighbours, including India and Afghanistan. The British NSA commended Pakistan’s efforts to curb extremism and offered UK’s continued support for timely and effective implementation of the National Action Plan. He assured Aziz of UK’s support to Pakistan’s efforts to build the capacity of its security and law enforcement agencies such as the National Counterterrorism Authority (NACTA). The British NSA lauded Pakistan efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan. Referring to India, he said the UK was ready to play a meaningful role to strengthen regional security and cooperation. During the meeting with the CEO of the British Council, Aziz reviewed the whole spectrum of activities under the existing education and cultural roadmap signed in 2014, with particular focus on British Council’s work in Pakistan. The adviser laid stress on the need for reinvigorating the cultural and educational connections between the two countries. Both sides decided to expand British Council’s activities in Pakistan by opening libraries and cultural centres in Karachi and Lahore besides a digital library available to millions of Pakistanis. To enhance cultural engagement, it was agreed that a new cultural roadmap would be signed between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. The new roadmap would focus on collaboration in arts, archaeology, research and development and the partnerships to support heritage, museums and the creative industry. In addition to the above meetings, the adviser had a lunch with the British Pakistani parliamentarians. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan’s high commissioner to United Kingdom, hosted the lunch at the British Parliament. The adviser to the prime minister on foreign affairs is on a three-day official visit to the United Kingdom to participate in the third Ministerial Review of the Pakistan-UK Enhanced Strategic Dialogue from April 18 to 20, 2016. He will also participate in the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) on April 20, 2016.