Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi reiterated his foreign policy priorities
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*ISLAMABAD - Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi reiterated his policy of Pakistan first.*
Speaking at the foreign ministry in Islamabad, he said his government’s goal is to safeguard Pakistan’s interests, both in the country and abroad.
We need to change the way we approach issues, he said, adding that this point is in line with what Prime Minister Imran Khan said during his address to the nation on Sunday night. Our thinking and approach will be different this time and I want to see a difference in our actions, he said.
He reiterated the point that courtesy is important when dealing with other people. “You never lose anything with courtesy. You gain friends,” said Qureshi.
“I know the challenges,” he said, adding that the ministry will have to deal with foreign and monetary challenges, to name a few. This is Qureshi’s second tenure as foreign minister – he first served on the post while he was part of the PPP under former president Asif Ali Zardari.
As the PTI vice-chairperson I have had a small part in developing the party’s ideology, 100-day programme and agenda and I will carry on with that ideology, he said.
I know the foreign office has very competent officers, he said, explaining that he will take guidance from them and consult with them at every step.
We have lots of people in different people in Islamabad who are experts in different fields, some of whom are even retired, said the foreign minister, adding that he will also consult them. He also mentioned bringing on board the academia and think tanks. This is the way forward, he told the media persons.
