Pakistan PM calls for a peaceful world

cctv.com 12-16-2004 16:28

Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz, has called for a peaceful world and a universal respect of the UN Charter. This was the message this morning, when Aziz spoke to students at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

It is the maiden visit to Beijing by the newly elected Pakistani prime minister. The former Citibank executive shared his views on many global issues with students from China's most prestigious university.

On the most sensitive Kashmir issue between Pakistan and India, Shaukat Aziz said the two countries are pursuing resolution of the dispute through dialogue.

Aziz said, "We want to address the issue with an open mind for a settlement that is acceptable to Pakistan and India and most importantly to the people of Kashmir because the dispute relates to their fundamental rights."

From post-cold war global trends to Asia's challenges, to Pakistan's foreign policy, peace and development highlighted the prime minister's speech.

Aziz said Pakistan desires neither a conventional nor nuclear arms race in South Asia. But rather, he made several commitments to regional peace and development.

Aziz added, "First, dialogue for settlement of all disputes in particular Kashmir. Second, restraint and security balance in South Asia. Third, cooperation for economic development of the region both on bilateral basis and within the framework of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation."

Aziz arrived in Beijing on Tuesday. Besides the Chinese capital, the Pakistani prime minister will also visit Shanghai before wrapping up his 5-day trip.

The Pakistan Prime Minister expressed a strong commitment to regional and global peace. But he admitted the two primary goals of peace and development set out by the UN Millennium Summit remain distant. Therefore, the Prime Minister called for a stronger UN system, peaceful resolution of disputes, toleration for different social systems, and a just economic order.

Editor:Chen  Source:CCTV.com