New york: Pakistan has termed dialogue and diplomacy as the most effective tools to transcend differences and foster mutual understanding and cooperation. The country said that particularly at this critical juncture of history when global peace and harmony is imperiled by myriad challenges, significance of inter-civilizational dialogue cannot be overemphasized.
Speaking during the high-level event marking the International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations organized by the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan's Permanent Representative, stated that it is the spirit of dialogue that enabled human civilization to forge mutual respect and trust and chart a path of shared progress and development. He said that Pakistan, located at the crossroads of the Middle East and, West, South and Central Asia, has been the melting pot of many civilizations and religions. "Values of interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence, diversity, pluralism and dialogue, are not only the defining features of Pakistani civilisation but also a driver of its foreign policy," he said.
The Permanent Representative said that it is in this spirit that Pakistan, together with Philippines, co-sponsors resolution "promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace', which was adopted with consensus by the General Assembly on 20 May. He said that established in the aftermath of World War II, the United Nations is cognizant of and responsive to the interlinkage between international peace, and dialogue among civilizations. "As a committed partner, Pakistan would continue its engagement with the United Nations and all Member States for advancing our shared objectives of dialogue among civilizations, cultures and faiths, for global peace and prosperity," he said while concluding the statement.
He appreciated the messages by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Secretary General Gutterres, President of the General Assembly, and Moratinos, the High Representative of the UN Alliance of Civilizations.
On this occasion, he also acknowledged the remarks made by the honorable President of the Republic of Colombia, Gustavo Petro.