Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has said Pakistan is determined to enhance regional connectivity and increase bilateral and multilateral development partnerships for socio-economic uplift.

Addressing the inaugural session of "Margalla Dialogue" in Islamabad Tuesday, he said Pakistan also remains determined to capitalize on these inherited advantages for the prosperity and betterment for people and our region by prioritizing geo-economics, which is one of the cardinal pillars of our engagement with the international partners.

Ishaq Dar said the theme of this dialogue is extremely relevant in the backdrop of the erosion of multilateral values and the increase in unilateral block politics.

He said Pakistan remains a firm believer in the enduring relevant and importance of multilateralism. He added that to strengthen multilateral, all states, small or large, must accept and respect the principles of UN Charter and international law.

He said to break the vicious cycle of poverty and rising global inequality, we must confront head on the imbalances in the international economic relations.

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed the hope that the 6th "Margalla Dialogue" would focus on many issues including multilateralism, climate change and the need for greater regional connectivity.

He also expressed the hope that the discussions at this forum would also help Pakistan explore new pathways for cooperation towards a more peaceful, stable and prosperous future.

The Deputy Prime Minister also commended the Islamabad Policy Research Institute for organizing this timely event.