May 24, 2019, 16:52
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akipress.kg
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AKIPRESS.COM - Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mahmood Qureshi talked about bilareral relations and regional issues in an interview with AKIpress.
Qestion: How do you characterize present Kyrgyzstan-Pakistan relations?
Answer: Kyrgyzstan-Pakistan relations have always been good. Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize Kyrgyzstan when you got independence in 1991. Cooperation has been excellent at international forums. We have common approaches, we share common values. We have a common point of view on many regional and international issues. So, we have very comfortable relations with Kyrgyzstan.
Q: What are the reasons why Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan do not have closer economic relations despite there are lots of opportunities?
A: Yes, I had a meeting with the Foreign Minister. That was the point I raised that despite excellent political relations our economic relations are somewhat subdued. Our bilateral trade is just $10 million, which is nothing. What are the impediments and hurdles we should look at and to overcome these hurdles. I identified three. First, connectivity: we do not have direct flights. Direct flights make a huge difference in people-to-people contact, in promoting trade. Second, visa restrictions we have. We should be more open, more liberal in granting each other visas for businessmen, people who want to come to rest, trade in Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan. We have to revisit our visa policy. Pakistan has done so. We liberalized, we reduced visa fees. We want Kyrgyzstan to revisit its visa policy. Third, Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement (QTTA). There are issues over there. We need to overcome those issues. One has been resolved. Then I think Pakistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan will all benefit from this arrangement. Finally, what you require is political will. We come to SCO forums where we have excellent exchange of views, ideas, we build the feeling of comradeship. But then we have to implement what has been agreed upon, the documents that we signed today are all very valuable, but they will lose their value if they are not implemented. So, it is important that we implement what we agreed on. That will change the economic architecture. That will boost economic relations between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Q: Are there any discussions about opening a direct flight between the two countries?
A: Yes, we discussed that, we will look into possibilities what can be done.
Q: What about visa policy? What the Kyrgyz side says about that?
A: They looked favorable, they looked inclined because our relationship is built upon confidence and trust. So, building upon that should not be difficult.
Q: Is there any security cooperation between the countries?
A: Yes, we have an umbrella agreement. Under that agreement Pakistan provides training for military personnel from Kyrgyzstan at institutions in Pakistan. That has been very productive for Kyrgyzstan. This is also beneficial for us in terms of getting to know people, developing friendship. I think there can be joint ventures in military production. Pakistan has the requisite technology and can be helpful in many areas in a very cost-effective manner. There are prospects for defense cooperation as well.
Q: Pakistan is a SCO member for 4 years already, what benefits it gives to Pakistan.
A: SCO gives connectivity to Pakistan. SCO has been helpful in rediscovering our all allies and friends. There were historic linkages. There was a historic trading route - the Silk Road - that has been neglected for a long time. But now with SCO becoming more vibrant and active and with the development of sea-backed economic corridor, the possibilities of SCO countries benefiting from a closer relationship with Pakistan have multiplied.
Q: Can SCO contribute to improvement of relations between Pakistan and India?
A: They have good relations with both countries. India is a member of SCO. I had a meeting with the Indian External Affairs Minister today. We had a brief chat. Why not? They can play a bridge. In fact, the Foreign Minister categorically asked me if they could play a role in engagement in June when the summit takes place. I said: by all means. We've never been hesitant, we've never been shy. India has now finished the process of elections. Whoever comes in to office, Pakistan is ready to engage. Because we feel all our issues and the only way forward in resolving issues is a negotiated peaceful dialogue.
Q: What is the role of Pakistan in conflict resolution in Afghanistan?
A: Pakistan is playing a supportive role, facilitating role. Pakistan is pushing the peace process forward. Pakistan played its role in bringing Taliban to the negotiating table. There has been a number of rounds of negotiations in Doha, Abu Dhabi. Now the Troika is meeting as well, China, Russia, the U.S. are discussing how they can be supportive in taking this process forward. Pakistan has always advocated non-military solution to Afghanistan. Pakistan always advocated a reasonable approach. SCO is a regional organization. Pakistan has always advocated that it is a shared responsibility and you would expect from all these important countries to play their role in pushing the peace process forward and helping the intra-Afghan dialogue, which would ultimately lead to reconciliation within Afghanistan.
Q: Do you agree with some politicians saying Afghanistan becomes a ground for ISIS and poses threat to Central Asia?
A: We should be guarding against that. Pakistan would never want to see the footprint of ISIS grow in Afghanistan. It could be dangerous for us, for entire SCO. We have to cooperate. We have a very effective SCO RATS Forum, where we discuss issues of terrorism, extremism and how to deal with militants and non-state actors. And that forum can be used more effectively to check the presence of ISIS in Afghanistan.
Q: The last issue is about CASA-1000 Project, which is aimed to export electricity from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan. How the things are going?
A: This is a very exciting, economically viable project. It is a win-win project. Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan will benefit from it. You have surplus electricity, Pakistan is deficient in energy. We can import cheap and green, environmentally friendly electricity from you. We are serious in implementing this project. I think that can lay a foundation for many joint ventures in future.
