ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on Monday that Pakistan remains committed to developing a broad and balanced partnership with the US.
He was speaking at a seminar, “Diplomatic successes of Pakistan,” organized in the capital, Islamabad.
The defense minister presented an overview of the country’s foreign policy and its ties with Pakistan’s major partners.
“With Saudi Arabia, our relations have entered a new era of mutual confidence and economic collaboration,” he said.
“The prime minister’s recent engagements with Saudi Arabia’s leadership have reinvigorated strategic cooperation and opened pathways for multibillion-dollar investment in energy, mining, and infrastructure.”
“Our relationship with the UAE and Qatar has also deepened remarkably; both countries have expressed strong interest in expanding their economic footprint in Pakistan, for renewable energy, ports to information technology, and agriculture,” he added.
“These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to regional stability and economic interdependence.”
The defense minister said:
“With the US, Pakistan continues to build a broad-based and balanced partnership.”
“Our recent diplomatic engagements have emphasized cooperation in trade, technology, climate resilience, and counterterrorism .... Reaffirming Pakistan’s constructive role as a bridge between regions and interests."
Partnership with China
“Our all-weather strategic partnership with China remains an anchor of regional peace and prosperity,” said Asif.
“The prime minister’s interactions with Chinese leadership have reaffirmed both sides' resolve to expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor into new domains, including agriculture, information technology, and renewable energy.”
“This deepening cooperation symbolizes a shared vision for connectivity and inclusive growth,” he added.
Outreach to Central Asia
“Pakistan’s outreach to central Asian republics, particularly, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, represents another milestone in our diplomacy.”
“Through active engagement, the prime minister has advanced Pakistan’s role as a gateway for trade and energy transit between central and south Asia.”
“Projects like CASA-1000, TAPI, and the proposed Trans-Afghan Railway underscore our commitment to regional connectivity, economic integration, and shared prosperity,” said Asif.
Ties with the Muslim world
“In the broader Muslim world, Pakistan has actively sought to revitalize ties with Iran, Turkey, and Egypt,” said the defense minister.
“These engagements are grounded in shared faith, mutual respect, and collective aspirations for peace and development.”
“Our deepening cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) further amplifies Pakistan’s diplomatic voice on issues such as Islamophobia, Palestinian rights, and humanitarian relief in Gaza and Afghanistan,” he added.
‘Economic diplomacy’
“At the heart of Pakistan’s renewed diplomatic activism lies economic diplomacy, guided by the prime minister’s vision of transforming foreign relations into economic opportunities,” said the defense minister.
“Pakistan has sought to attract investments, enhance exports, and promote development-oriented partnerships.”
“Recent high-level visits have now only revitalized traditional friendships but also restored global confidence in Pakistan’s stability and economic potential,” he added.
“Major partners now view Pakistan as a country focused on reform, growth, and responsible engagement in an interconnected world.”
‘Forward-looking Pakistan’
“Our diplomacy today reflects a forward-looking Pakistan, one that engages constructively, builds bridges, and believes in the power of partnerships,” said Asif.
“Through the prime minister’s sustained diplomatic outreach, Pakistan has successfully reestablished itself as a respected voice in regional and international forums from the United Nations and SCO to OIC and World Economic Forum,” he added.
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