Defence & Diplomacy: Foreign Policy Priorities & Achievements-2015

Pakistan faced numerous foreign policy challenges and there were numerous trials and tribulations in the realm of terror attacks, energy shortage, a dwindling economy and threats from various quarters. The Foreign office, under the guidance of the top leadership withstood those challenges and made great strides in its endeavour to establish peace in the region. Mending fences with Afghanistan, facilitating peace talks between the Afghan Taliban and Government, restructuring dialogue with India, maintaining a principled stand in the Iraqi, Syrian and Yemeni conflicts have paid rich dividends.
Pakistan's relationship with China has been very steadfast but with the visit of the Chinese President to Pakistan and the launch of work on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor have raised the ties to a very high level.
Pak-US ties, which had seen a low ebb have been restored to an even keel and the strategic partnership between the two is being put to good use to restore peace in Afghanistan.
Various high level visits by Pakistan's top leadership to the USA, Europe, Russia and China have also borne fruit in commercial, trade and economic relations.
Pakistan's strategic assets and Pakistan's nuclear doctrine and the safety and security of the nukes have not only been ensured but the concerns of the world have been put to rest.
Pakistan's success in the war on terror has not only been acclaimed but Pakistan is now willing to share its experiences with others to bring about peace in the region and world.
2016 hold promise with Pakistan's priorities remaining the same as 2015, building n the successes of the past year to bring about peace in the region, eradicating the scourge of terrorism and helping build Pakistan's economy.
Participant: Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry (Foreign Secretary of Pakistan)
Host: S. M. Hali