Shah Mahmood Qureshi urges for new economic blocs in Asia

TOKYO: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday reiterated that Pakistan desires peaceful relations with all the neighboring countries for peace and stability in the region.

“Peaceful relations with neighbours is prime object of the Pakistan’s foreign policy”, Qureshi said in an interaction with the intellectuals and businessmen associated with Japan Institute of International Affairs in Tokyo.

The FM said the present government wants to transform Pakistan into an industrial and trade center.

Qureshi underlined the need to establish new trade centers in the region to strengthen economic and trade relations.

During the visit, Qureshi will hold wide ranging talks with his Japanese counterpart and other dignitaries.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi is in Japan on a four-day official visit. In his visit he will hold meetings with the the Pakistani community and leading media houses in Japan.

It may be recalled that, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had cancelled his scheduled visit of Japan amid recent escalation with India.

Qureshi had to visit Japan from February 24 to 27 to hold a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Japan over international issues, including the bilateral relations.

Japan is a key economic partner of Pakistan and has made important contribution in supporting Pakistan’s development efforts over the years.