BEIJING, May 29 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif visit to the four countries is a far-reaching diplomatic action that sends positive signals for regional cooperation. This will not only bring new opportunities for Pakistan’s own development, but also have a positive impact on regional peace, development and prosperity.
These views were expressed by Prof. Cheng Xizhong, Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute in a statement issued here on Thursday.
He said that the visit of PM Shehbaz to Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan will come to a successful conclusion. From multiple dimensions such as geopolitics, economic cooperation and regional security, this is a successful visit with significant strategic importance.
In my point of view, this visit is not an ordinary diplomatic action, but contains profound considerations for Pakistan’s strategic layout, promotion of cooperation and national interest maintenance on the international stage, releasing many positive signals, he added.
Prof Cheng said that from the perspective of regional cooperation, the visit of PM Shehbaz is a powerful measure to deepen regional connectivity and economic integration.
“Pakistan is located at a strategic pivot in the South Asian subcontinent and has countless ties with regional countries in terms of geography, economy, culture and other aspects”, he added.
Through the visit, Pakistan aims to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with regional countries in infrastructure construction, trade, energy cooperation and other fields, sending a strong signal that Pakistan actively promotes regional economic integration to achieve common prosperity.
In the field of security and counter-terrorism, this visit demonstrates Pakistan’s firm determination to maintain regional security and stability. During the visit, PM Shehbaz had in-depth discussions with leaders of the four countries on security issues such as counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing and border control. Pakistan has long faced the serious threat of terrorism and is well aware of the serious disruption it poses to regional security and stability.
By strengthening security cooperation among regional countries, resources from all parties can be integrated, and regional countries can jointly combat terrorism and extremist forces. Pakistan has made it clear to the international community that it actively seeks international cooperation and strives to work with relevant countries to build a secure and stable regional environment, creating favorable conditions for the development of all parties, he added.
The Chinese scholar said that from a diplomatic strategy perspective, PM Shehbaz’s visit is an important step in optimizing diplomatic layout and expanding international space. Pakistan aims to enrich its diplomatic partnership and enhance its voice and influence in international affairs through active interaction with countries in the region. Exchange and cooperation with regional countries in various fields such as politics, economy and culture will bring more development opportunities and resource support to Pakistan.
In terms of cultural exchange and cooperation, this visit will help enhance mutual understanding and friendship between Pakistan and regional countries. During his visit, PM Shehbaz actively promoted cultural exchange projects and encouraged people-to-people exchanges.
This will lay a solid public opinion foundation for the long-term friendly relations between Pakistan and regional countries, and send a positive signal that Pakistan hopes to promote the development of inter-state relations through cultural exchanges, he added.