Daily Times

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Monday that Pakistan desires peaceful relations with all its neighbouring countries for peace and stability in the region. Qureshi, who left for Japan on Saturday on a three-day official visit, made the remarks while interacting with intellectuals and businessmen associated with Japan Institute of International Affairs in Tokyo, reported Radio Pakistan.

“Incumbent government wants to transform Pakistan into an industrial and trade centre,” said the foreign minister, adding that there is need to establish new trade centres in the region to strengthen economic and trade relations. Qureshi was scheduled to visit Tokyo from February 24 to 27 but that had to be postponed due to escalation in tensions with Eastern neighbor.

Pakistan has a traditional friendly relationship with Japan and the foreign minister’s visit to Japan is expected to further deepen the friendly relations between the two countries. According to sources, Qureshi during his meetings will impress upon the Japanese leadership to make more investment in Pakistan, besides holding talks on regional security situation, Pakistan-India tension and situation in Afghanistan. Addressing a large number of community representatives in Tokyo, he deliberated on the role of Pakistani community in promoting the interests of the country abroad. He said that the Pakistani diaspora has an important role as they can promote positive image of Pakistan in the country of their residence in an effective manner. He said, the new political set up in Pakistan under the PTI Government was people centric and its socio-economic agenda aimed at bringing job opportunities and economic benefits to the people.