Zardari Urges Closer Regional Cooperation in Energy, Counter-Terrorism Fields

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari called for expansion of cooperation in security, counter-terrorism, and energy fields between regional states.

President Zardari said that there is a need to strengthen security and counter-terrorism cooperation in the region, Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

He added that Pakistan firmly believed that peace and stability was the most important for economic progress and development.

“We are keen to promote friendly relations with all, especially our neighbors and other regional countries. We are ready to work together with them for peace, progress and prosperity in the region,” he said.

The Pakistani president offered the Central Asian Republics to use Pakistan’s Gwadar port for trade with rest of the world.

Addressing the opening session of the International Nowrouz Celebrations at the Rukhyat Palace in Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan, the President said that the region is of great geo-strategic importance and there is a need for a robust road and rail linkage to enable the countries fully exploit their natural resources, .

In this regard, Pakistan is ready to play its role, he added. “We are willing to facilitate transportation of LNG from Central Asia to Southeast Asia and other world markets.

The latest and modern seaport of Pakistan at Gwadar is the shortest route for Central Asian States to the free waters,” the President said.

President Zardari said that Gwadar also offered excellent port facilities for export of LNG and other products.

“We are also ready to provide safe transit of piped gas to other neighboring countries,” he added.

He urged the participant countries to unite against all those, who did not wish peace. He hoped that conflicts would end with the heralding of the spring.