ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani has said that Pakistan expects several investment agreements and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in diverse areas, including information technology and agriculture.
In an interview with TRT World, Pakistan’s foreign minister discussed the keen interest of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in Pakistan’s new initiative, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SFIC).
This initiative focuses on attracting investments from friendly nations in key sectors, including agriculture, information technology, mining, minerals, and energy.
Pakistan has already received Expressions of Interest from GCC nations regarding mining and energy projects. The foreign minister highlighted Pakistan’s substantial shale gas reserves, indicating a promising investment climate.
Expecting visits from GCC country representatives soon, he anticipates agreements and MoUs to be signed. Pakistan cooperates strongly with GCC nations across various domains like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain.
The foreign minister emphasized Pakistan’s efforts to enhance governance and combat corruption and smuggling, creating an attractive investment environment.
Regarding Afghanistan, Pakistan seeks stability but is concerned about the presence of groups like the TTP and ISIS-K in the region. Pakistan has engaged in dialogues with the Afghan interim government to ensure they fulfill their commitments, including preventing Afghan soil from being used against other nations.
He said that Pakistan advocates peaceful negotiations on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as war is not a solution. The foreign minister expressed concern about the economic crisis and shortages resulting from the prolonged battle.
Regarding India’s violation of the UN Charter in the Kashmir dispute, he said that Pakistan maintains its stance on criteria-based UN Security Council membership and emphasizes the need for a free and fair referendum per UNSC resolutions and the wishes of Kashmiri people.
The foreign minister also called attention to human rights violations in Kashmir and urged the international community to take notice. Finally, he highlighted the achievements of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its promising future for Pakistan’s infrastructure, agriculture, and railways. Pakistan’s ongoing democratic process and economic reforms will lead to stability and prosperity. —APP
