President General Pervez Musharraf addressed the concluding session of the Envoys Conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

President General Pervez Musharraf addressed the concluding session of the Envoys Conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.

The 4-day Envoys Conference reviewed a wide range of foreign policy issues, the role of economic diplomacy and positive projection of Pakistan. Several Ministers and senior civil and military officials made presentations to the Conference on relevant subjects.

In his remarks welcoming the President, Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri presented a broad sense of the discussions at the Conference. Foreign Secretary Riaz Mohammad Khan presented the comprehensive recommendations made by the Envoys.

The President expressed appreciation for the important role being played by the Foreign Office and Pakistan Missions abroad in advancing the country's foreign policy objectives. He directed the Envoys to particularly focus on four priority areas: expansion of economic, trade and investment opportunities for Pakistan; leveraging Pakistan's geo-political location for economic linkages with major regions; enhancing interaction with the international media; and mobilizing the Pakistani community for projection of Pakistan. The President focused on the great potential of Pakistan to offer energy corridors and become a hub of economic activity in the region. He underscored the importance of deepening Pakistan's relations with major powers, continuing the peace process with India and resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute; and further strengthening relations with the Muslim world. The President reaffirmed Pakistan's policies to fight terrorism and extremism and promotion of enlightened moderation.

The President further directed the Envoys to fully project the positive changes taking place in Pakistan including strong economic growth, investment friendly environment, social sector development, promotion and protection of human rights, empowerment of women and minorities, and growth of cultural activities in Pakistan.

Islamabad

June 29, 2006