SCO moot will provide opportunity to Pakistan to engage with CAS & Russia: Hina

Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has said Shanghai Cooperation Organization moot will provide an opportunity to Pakistan to engage with Central Asian States and Russia. Talking to newsmen in Lahore she said Prime Minister Gilani will hold meetings with his Chinese and Russian counterparts on the sidelines of the summit. The foreign minister said regional stability is of primary importance to Pakistan as its role is proactive in building relations with neighbouring countries. To a question Hina Rabbani Khar said India has assured that it will not block Pakistans way in Preferential Market Access to the European Union. She clarified that the most favoured nation status to India had been granted with the assurance that India will waive non-tarrif barriers as part of dialogue process. She said all institutions including army are supportive of improving relations with India. About Kashmir the foreign minister said Pakistan desires result-oriented dialogue with India for the resolution of this issue. To a question Hina Rabbani Khar said the government in principle is against drone attacks and has made it clear to the United States that they are counter productive. She said Trade with India will benefit the two countries. The Foreign Minister said the cabinet has unanimously approved trade with India and further steps will be decided by Commerce Ministry. She said Pakistan wants uninterrupted dialogue with India and for this purpose SAARC Summit can play a major role. Hina Rabbani Khar said that Pak-Afghan relations are improving day-by-day and Pakistan supports every effort to establish peace and stability in that country.

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