ISLAMABAD, Apr 23 (INP): Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Secretary Mr Sartaj Aziz has called for fulfillment of the right of self-determination of the people of Kashmir and Palestine
Addressing the Asian-African Summit 2015 in Jakarta today, Mr. Sartaj Aziz said that it was tragic and unacceptable that people of Palestine and Kashmir were still awaiting the fulfillment of their inalienable right to self-determination.
The Adviser recalled that a major focus of the 1955 Bandung Conference was respect for fundamental human rights, including the right to self-determination.
The Asian-African Summit 2015 is being held in Jakarta in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Asian-African Conference held in Bandung in 1955. Pakistan was one of the co-sponsors of the 1955 Conference.
The Adviser emphasized the need for Asian and African countries to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts to overcome the continuing challenges of peace and development. In this endeavor, we must be guided by the Spirit of Bandung and its Ten Principles, whose relevance was evident, despite the changing times, he noted.
Mr. Sartaj Aziz said that Asia and Africa should work together to evolve a strong, inclusive, and equitable Post-2015 Development Agenda, including the new Sustainable Development Goals with principal focus on poverty eradication and sustainable development. South-South cooperation will play a critical role in development of Asia and Africa. The two continents represented 75% of the world’s population but only 30% of the global GDP. He underscored the significance of regional and bilateral trade arrangements within the global south, and called for enhanced targeted support for Least Developed, Landlocked Developing, and Small Island Developing States to enable them to meet their development goals.
The Adviser highlighted Pakistan’s strong resolve to fight the menace of terrorism, and the intensified actions in this regard through operation Zarb-e-Azb and a comprehensive National Action Plan on counter-terrorism. He said that as the biggest victims of terrorism, Asian and African countries must share their experiences and strengthen collaboration to defeat terrorism comprehensively, including by addressing its root causes and deploying a more effective counter narrative.
He said that together with Latin America, Asia and Africa formed a solid bloc of cooperation and solidarity among the developing countries to promote their shared objectives of peace and development. We must continue to fearlessly uphold our principles and strengthen our unity for our collective good. He underlined that our shared goal remains a more democratic, equitable and fair world order to bring about common prosperity and wellbeing of all.
The Adviser will also participate in the Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Asian-African Conference, to be held in Bandung on 24 April.