Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi participating in a high-level panel discussion on ‘Regional Cooperation in Asia’ in Antalya Diplomacy Forum today (Saturday) called for a renewed focus by Asian countries on geo-economics.

He also underlined the three pillars of Pakistan’s policy: regional connectivity, development partnerships, and peace and prosperity.

The Foreign Minister highlighted the challenges being faced by Asia in form of unresolved disputes, tensions induced from within and without, renewed arms race and climate change.

Highlighting the potential of Asia in the 21st Century, the Foreign Minister drew attention to the possibilities of cooperation that exists on the continent.

He emphasized that connectivity and greater regional integration in form of trade and investment would pave the way for a successful Asian century.

In this context, he noted that China Pakistan Economic Corridor as a flagship project of Belt and Road Initiative, offers great opportunities for the countries of the region.

During the discussion, the Foreign Ministers on the panel called for increased multilateralism to deal with the challenges faced by Asia and agreed on the need for a renewed focus on transit and connectivity projects in the region.