Govt pursuing foreign policy with futuristic approach, says Sartaj Aziz

ISLAMABAD (Staff Report) - Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has said that the current government is pursuing foreign policy with a modern outlook.

In an interview, he said non-interference, protecting sovereignty and growth of trade and economy are among the main objectives of foreign policy.

He added that with the launching of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, enhanced cooperation with China, Central Asian Republics, the Russian Federation and other countries had become an attainable reality.

He said progress on regional projects like Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline and Central-Asia South-Asia CASA-1000 had also enhanced Pakistan's position in the region.

He said that Pakistan had close and brotherly relations with countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Aziz added that India wanted hegemony in the South Asian region, but Pakistan had never accepted these aspirations of its rival and would continue to protect its sovereignty.

He said Pakistan had never backtracked from its stand of holding a composite dialogue with India simultaneously on all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.