Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
A panel discussion hosted by TRENDS Research & Advisory on the sidelines of its participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) emphasised the importance of dialogue and the exchange of views in understanding regional challenges and opportunities.
During the session, moderated by Mohamed Al-Dhuhoori, Senior Researcher and Deputy Director of Research Department at TRENDS, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, talked about Pakistan's ambitious vision to strengthen economic integration with Central and South Asia. The discussion also addressed current regional challenges and explored ways to overcome them and achieve shared stability and prosperity.
Ambassador Tirmizi presented an "Overview of Pakistan" highlighting the country's strategic geopolitical location, its economic potential, and its ongoing efforts to position itself as a regional economic hub.
Tirmizi expressed optimism about the future of economic integration between Pakistan and the Central and South Asian regions, emphasising that the country's location is a vital crossroads linking these regions with the Middle East.
Pakistan's ambition is based on peace, infrastructure, and diplomacy as foundational pillars, he said.
The envoy also highlighted the importance of major regional projects - such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the CASA-1000 energy project, and the TAPI gas pipeline - which aim to enhance connectivity and facilitate trade and transit across borders.
Urgent Need for Peaceful Solutions
On Pakistan–India relations, Tirmizi expressed his hope for resolving long-standing issues with New Delhi through constructive dialogue and diplomacy. He stressed the urgent need for peaceful and lasting solutions that serve the interests of both nations and contribute to regional stability.
The session further addressed Pakistan's efforts in countering extremism and terrorism along its border with Afghanistan. The ambassador reaffirmed his country's unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and promoting regional security and stability, stressing the importance of regional and international cooperation in this regard.
The ambassador also underlined the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and economic ties between Pakistan and the Gulf states, affirming Pakistan's keenness to expand cooperation with them in investment, energy, trade, and labour, which are key sectors that offer promising avenues for mutual growth.
