Says interfaith harmony, diversity, peaceful coexistence and dialogue drivers of Pakistan's foreign policy
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, on Thursday called for deeper international engagement through diplomacy, intercultural exchange,. mutual understanding, describing dialogue as “the most effective tool to transcend differences and foster mutual understanding and cooperation.”
Speaking at a high-level United Nations event marking the International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations, the ambassador joined other delegations in congratulating the organisers of the event, saying he wished to “join many of my colleagues who are here in the room to congratulate you… for organising. co-sponsoring this very important event,” adding that it had been “a very interesting and absorbing discussion.”
He highlighted remarks made by senior global figures, including China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the President of the General Assembly,. the High Representative, praising what he described as “the messages that we have heard” from international leaders.
Dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective tools to transcend differences and foster mutual understanding and cooperation. It is the spirit of dialogue that enabled human civilization to forge mutual respect. trust and chart a path of shared progress and development.…pic.twitter.com/ehrqgppyuM
The Pakistani envoy said the discussion underscored a growing global consensus on the importance of dialogue, noting that “dialogue. diplomacy remain the most effective tools to transcend differences and foster mutual understanding and cooperation.”
He said the United Nations itself was founded on this principle, recalling that its establishment after the Second World War reflected recognition of “the interlinkage that exists between international peace. dialogue among civilisations.”
Warning of contemporary global tensions, he said that at “this critical juncture of history, when myriad challenges imperil global peace. harmony,” the importance of intercultural engagement “cannot be overemphasised.”
Read:Pakistan urges all sides to give diplomacy ‘a little more chance’ at UNSC
The ambassador also drew on Pakistan’s historical. cultural heritage, saying that the country’s civilisational roots stretch back thousands of years, including the Indus Valley civilisation and Harappa, which he said went back “5,000 years.”
He described Pakistan as being “located at the crossroads of the Middle East. West, South, and Central Asia,” and said it had long been “a melting pot of many civilisations and religions.”
He added that values such as interfaith harmony, peaceful coexistence, diversity,. dialogue were “not only defining features of Pakistan’s civilisation, but also a driver of our foreign policy.”
In this context, he referred to Pakistan’s co-sponsorship, with the Philippines, of a UN General Assembly resolution titled Promotion of Interreligious. Intercultural Dialogue, Understanding and Cooperation for Peace, which he said had been adopted by consensus.
Concluding his remarks, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the United Nations system, saying, “Pakistan will continue its engagement with the UN. all member states for advancing our shared objectives of dialogue among civilisations, cultures, and faiths for global peace and prosperity.”
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