ISLAMABAD, SEPT 17: An
International Conference on “Significance of Regional Connectivity for Shared
Prosperity: Opportunities and Prospects” was organized by Center for Global
& Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad. The aim of the Conference was to
highlight the importance of regional integration between countries vis-à-vis
socio-economic and cultural cooperation. Bahria University, Islamabad and Midas
(Pvt) Limited were the collaborative partners for this Conference.
The Conference was well attended
by the worthy Ambassadors of various countries to Pakistan and subject experts
from Pakistan as well.
The Conference commenced by the
remarks of Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global &
Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad who explained the concept of the
Conference. He discussed the significance of Central and South Asia
connectivity. He stated that our aim is of connectivity with Eurasia and ASEAN
countries. He thanked the worthy Ambassadors and the students of Bahria
University for their contributions.
Prof. Dr. Adam Saud, Dean,
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Bahria University, Islamabad in his
welcomeremarks stated that regional connectivity is one of the most important
themes and it is the future of the world. The future belongs to this region
i.e., Asia and regional connectivity will bring development and prosperity for
the whole region.
Mr. Ashfaq Ahmed Gondal, Former
Federal Secretary of Information and Vice-President (Federal Region), CGSS in
his opening remarks stated that connectivity and interdependence leads to
independence of nations. Connectivity is the key and without that the regional
issues cannot be resolved. Connectivity is important for peace and prosperity.
The Conference commenced with the
speech of Atadjan Movlamov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan (Dean of
Diplomatic Corps) who discussed Turkmenistan’s neutrality policy which is a
roadmap for the regional peace & progress. He stated that Turkmenistan is
an active member of international community and pays special attention to
sustainable development. Turkmenistan is cooperating to combat global
challenges. Turkmenistan focuses on development of energy sector for future
development, energy security, consumption and transportation is basis of Turkmenistan’s
energy sector. Turkmenistan does not only propose initiatives but also takes
practical steps for their implementation. His Excellency stated that railway
links and pipelines are being established to serve connectivity between
different regions.
Yerzhan Kistafin, Ambassador of
the Republic of Kazakhstan to Pakistan discussed Kazakhstan inclusive foreign
policy contours. He stated that connectivity is very important as COVID-19 has
affected our economies and regional connectivity is the key to revive our
economies and achieve the ultimate goal. Kazakhstan depends on natural
resources. Kazakhstan pays special attention to development of communication
and transportation routes. Kazakhstan has well developed infrastructure,
corridors and railway links. Kazakhstan is willing to provide transit
capabilities to Pakistan to enter European and Central Asian markets.
Kazakhstan is an attractive country for air corridors development and it is
important to develop favorable conditions for foreign investment.
Aybek Arif Usmanov, Ambassador of
the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan discussed the role of Uzbekistan in
reinvigorating the phenomena of academic cooperation into regionalism. He
stated that this era is of understanding and cooperation. The focus of our
leaders is on confidence building measures, security and stability for economic
integration between regional countries. These initiatives have consequently
developed an era of trust and integration. South Asia is the first neighboring
region of Central Asia and we all are a part of this development. Pakistan is
considered as the main partner of Central Asia and is considered as the main
hub to provide access for Central Asia to seaports of Karachi and Gwadar. He
stated that our next step towards connectivity is the railway link coming from
Uzbekistan to Kabul, Jalalabad and Peshawar.
Mr. Jawad Majid, President,
Summit Bank highlighted economic potential of BRI and the opportunities for
regional states. This century is about economic growth of South East Asia and
Asia. Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) is a transcontinental long-term policy
and investment program which aims at infrastructure development and
acceleration of the economic integration of countries along the route of
historic Silk Road. The Initiative was unveiled in 2013.Central Asian states
can benefit from broader cooperation on a common project like the BRI, which
may help to reduce tensions and strengthen ties. As regional integration is
still in a nascent state, BRI would offer a host of additional opportunities to
bind the region more closely together.
H.E. Mr. Ulanbek Totuiaev,
Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Pakistan discussed the role of Kyrgyz
Republic in broader regional connectivity between Central & South Asia. He
stated that the aim of Kyrgyzstan is to enhance partnership and increase people
to people connectivity. Furthermore, Kyrgyz Republic envisions to increase
cooperation with Pakistan and regional countries in energy sector. Kyrgyzstan
offers and alternative trade route. Kyrgyzstan acts as a regional hub for
Central and South Asia connectivity.
H. E. Mustafa Yurdakul,
Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Pakistan stated that Turkey has made
billion dollars investment for the connectivity projects that also includes
natural gas pipeline. Since 1980, Turkey has invested in connectivity through
Europe and Asia because of Turkey’s significant geographical location. He also
discussed the concept of Islamophobia and appreciated the steps of Prime
Minister Imran Khan to promote religious stance.
H.E. Andrei Metelitsa, Ambassador
of the Republic of Belarus to Pakistan discussed Pakistan-Belarus bilateral
relations. He stated that Pakistan and Belarus have signed agreements on
regional connectivity including political agreement to facilitate trade and
investment. His Excellency also highlighted the significance of Karachi and
Gwadar port for regional connectivity. He stated CPEC and maritime route also
holds great significance for regional connectivity. He stated that much part of
middle east and south countries contain high resources of oil and gas.
Vice-Admiral Asif Humayon HI(M),
(Retd), Former Vice-Chief of Naval Staff (VCNS) presented speech on “Pakistan’s
Maritime Assets: Opportunities under Gwadar Port and Opportunities for Regional
Countries”. He stated that cooperation in aquaculture needs to be developed.
Regarding the Afghan issue, he stated that peace is necessary for development
in Central Asia and to entertain benefits from CPEC. Gwadar as part of CPEC can
transform into a new Dubai.
H.E Adam M. Tugio, Ambassador of
the Republic of Indonesia to Pakistan discussed economic prosperity through
regional cooperation and the role of Pakistan, ASEAN and Indonesia. He stated
that the focus of ASEAN countries is to work on negotiation through cooperation
and regional agreements. He stated that it is also the responsibility of the
Government, institutions and academia to play vital role in the promotion of
regional cooperation. discussed the cooperation between Pakistan and ASEAN
countries. He stated that 21st century is an era of international cooperation.
H. E Nguyen Tien Phong,
Ambassador of Vietnam to Pakistan presented speech on “Vietnam's robust
economic model: Prospects for cooperation with Pakistan and Role in ASEAN”. He
discussed the Vietnam’s economic model. He stated that Vietnam’s aim is to
promote integration and increase trade with the regional countries as economies
rely on each other for mutual benefit and win-win situation for all. Vietnam is
an active partner of many regional organizations. He also stated that ASEAN
plays an important role in Asia and Vietnam is a proactive member of it.
Prof. Cem Karadeli, Senior
International Relations Advisor, Ankara Center for Crisis and Policy Research
(ANKASAM), Ankara, Turkey presented speech (Online) on “Prospects for
Pakistan-Turkey Think Tank Cooperation”. He discussed that Turkey and Pakistan
are old friends Their historical, cultural and religious ties make this bond
stronger. Pakistan and Turkey need to establish group of common practices and
ANKASAM and CGSS can play a very important role in Think Tank cooperation.
Ambassador (p) Gheorghe Savuica,
President and Founder, Romanian Institute for Europe-Asia Studies (IRSEA),
Bucharest, Romania presented speech on “Regional Cooperation and Opportunities
for Pakistan-Romania Academic Connectivity”. He discussed about the
significance of regional cooperation and focused on the promotion of national
interest and people-to-people connectivity. He also focused on cultural and
academic cooperation. Discussing about Pakistan and Romania relations, he
states that both are working for signing an MOU for cooperation.
Dr. Pek Chuen Khee, Dean, Faculty
of Business and Management, UCSI University and CEO, UCSI Poll Research Centre,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia presented speech on “Enhanced Regional Integration:
Exploring New Frontiers of Pakistan- Malaysia Cooperation”. He discussed the 17
sustainable development goals. He stated that the prime focus is on the
economy, society and biosphere.
The Conference concluded by the
speech of Rear Admiral Naveed Ahmed Rizvi (Retd), Director General, Bahira
University, Islamabad. He stated that this conference is an opportunity for International
Relations students to handle the challenges in the contemporary era. He stated
that technology can play an important role for the connectivity. Bahria
University have faculty development programs which can serve as the better
solution for tomorrow problems. He thanks CGSS and Bahia university for 6 weeks
internship program and organizing the conference. He said that the ambassadors offer
a fresh perspective for the students for better future.
The Conference concluded with
Certificate Distribution Ceremony for the interns, guest speakers who delivered
lectures during the internship program, faculty members of Bahria University
and the management of CGSS.
This Conference was organized to
conclude the Six weeks On-Campus Internship Program for the Under-Grad Students
of Bahria University which was organized by Center for Global & Strategic
Studies (CGSS), Islamabad. The aim of this internship program was to
familiarize the students of International Relations with the changing dynamics
of the country and the region. The program ensures the exposure of students to
the relevant institutions and individuals.
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