Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi says achieving economic stability is crucial for the country besides achieving its foreign policy objectives.

Addressing the launch of the Report on 'Leveraging Private Investment for Pakistan's Sustainable Development' in Islamabad on Wednesday, he said government is working towards a more hospitable investment environment to help bolster the confidence of investors.

He emphasized the need for innovative and out of box approaches in order to ensure sustainable growth.

The Foreign Minister said Pakistan is committed to Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations' Agenda 2030 to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.

He said the government's priority has changed with the recent launch of a new National Security Policy, focusing on economic policy that encompassed food and water security.

Speaking on the occasion, Resident Representative of the UNDP Pakistan Knut Ostby said that the UNDP is providing policy advisory and technical assistance to Pakistan.

Talking to his Guinean counterpart Dr Morissanda Kouyate over phone on Wednesday, Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood expressed the desire for strengthening relations with Guinea with emphasis on trade, agriculture, defence and health sectors.

Foreign Minister highlighted ‘Engage Africa’ policy of the Government and steps taken for greater political and economic exchanges and enhancing diplomatic presence in the Continent.

Both the leaders reviewed historically friendly ties, underpinned by convergence of views on regional and international issues.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi also extended invitation to his counterpart for forthcoming 48th Session of OIC-CFM in Islamabad on 22nd and 23rd March this year.  

Pakistan and Kazakhstan have reaffirmed their commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, including lasting economic and trade partnership between the two countries.

The understanding was reached during a telephonic conversation between Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and his Kazakh counterpart Mukhtar Tileuberdi on Wednesday.

They also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest.

The two sides reaffirmed their support for mutual cooperation in all areas of common interest, in regional and international forums including the United Nations, OIC, SCO and ECO.  

Shah Mahmood Qureshi stressed the need to take appropriate steps to enhance bilateral trade and to expedite implementation of the decisions taken in the meeting of Joint Ministerial Commission held in Almaty in November 2021. 

Pakistan and Jordan have agreed to continue close cooperation on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

This understanding came during a telephonic conversation between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan and Jordan enjoy close and cordial relations based on common faith and values.   

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has reiterated that Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with Benin.

Talking to Foreign Minister of Benin Aurélien Agbénonci on Wednesday, he lauded Benin's substantive contributions to regional and international organizations like UN and OIC.

He also recalled the week-long visit by Pakistan Navy Ship 'Nasar' to Cotonou Port, in March last year, while on a 'Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Mission.

Both Ministers expressed satisfaction at the state of bilateral ties that are characterized by commonality of views on issues of regional and international importance.

The Foreign Minister highlighted Pakistan's 'Engage Africa Policy' aimed at enhancing diplomatic, political and economic ties with Africa.

Foreign Minister Aurélien Agbénonci welcomed bilateral collaboration in the field of diplomatic training.

The two Foreign Ministers also agreed on strengthening bilateral consultations mechanism and enhancing exchanges between the respective Foreign Ministries.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov on Wednesday.

The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on ways to further strengthen mutual cooperation.

The Foreign Ministers emphasized the deepening of trade and economic linkages as well as increased cooperation in education and energy sectors.

On the occasion, Shah Mahmood Qureshi underscored the importance of regional connectivity and stressed the importance of enhancing direct air-links, rail and road connectivity in order to promote trade and people-to-people contacts.

The two sides also discussed peace and stability in the region and reaffirmed commitment to continue supporting initiatives on economic and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

The two Foreign Ministers discussed collaboration at regional and international fora and agreed to remain in touch to strengthen joint efforts on matters of mutual interest.