Printer Friendly Version

Statement of Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistanat the 15 th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement ( NAM ) Sharm El Sheikh , Egypt 15 July 2009

Mr. Chairman,

Your Royal Highnesses,

Honourable Heads of State and Government,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen!

 It is a great pleasure to be in Egypt -- this ancient land, the cradle of civilization.

We are grateful to the brotherly government and people of Egypt for the warm reception and gracious hospitality accorded to us since our arrival here.

We also extend our warmest felicitations to Egypt for assuming the Chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement for the second time.

As a founding member, Egypt has made a tremendous contribution to the promotion of the goals and objectives of our Movement.

We have no doubt that, under Your Excellency 's wise stewardship, NAM will forge ahead in fully realizing its noble purposes.

I also take this opportunity to pay rich tributes to Cuba , and His Excellency Raul Castro , for outstanding leadership during Cuba 's term as the NAM Chair.

 Mr. Chairman,

Our Summit is taking place at another defining moment in history. This is a time of immense challenges, but equally immense opportunities.

  It is our conviction that the vision and principles outlined by the NAM 's founding fathers are not only valid today, but are indeed indispensable. The solidarity which helped us promote collective good in the past is equally essential for the future.

We, in Pakistan , believe that the core of NAM 's efforts today should be our quest for sovereign equality. In these changing times, our Movement must renew its emphasis on giving full life and meaning to the immutable principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity , non-aggression, non-intervention, mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence.

Mr. Chairman,

Security -- including economic security -- is indivisible. The global financial and economic crisis is affecting us all. The continued progress and prosperity of our peoples is at stake.   

We must utilize this opportunity to fashion a holistic response. Our approach should be balanced, premised on the mutuality of interests of developed and developing countries . A conceptual rethink is required regarding the optimal balance between the role of governments and markets.

The temptation for protectionism must be resisted at all costs. Market access should significantly expand, generating trade and employment opportunities. Stimulus packages and special dispensations to help particularly the vulnerable economies are essential.

We must also work for comprehensive reform of the global financial and economic architecture, especially in the realm of enhanced regulation, more accountability, and inclusive decision-making. Only a profound transformation will produce desired results.

 Mr. Chairman,

This Summit appropriately focuses on ‘ international solidarity for peace and development.' In Pakistan , peace and development are the core national priorities of our democratic government . The guiding light for us is the vision of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the father of our nation, of a progressive, modern, democratic, Islamic Pakistan – at peace within, and peace without. 

We are currently engaged in a resolute national effort to eliminate terrorism and militancy. Our valiant security forces and the people of Pakistan have rendered enormous sacrifices in fighting this menace. Millions of our citizens have been recently dislocated.

Pakistan deeply appreciates the support and solidarity it has received from friends in the international community.

Terrorism is a global phenomenon. Only regional and global solutions would work. Military means alone will not suffice. The only successful strategy would be a multi-dimensional strategy, particularly which addresses the root causes. Sustainable success would come from resolving the long-standing political disputes and promoting socio-economic development.   

  Mr. Chairman,    

The advancement of Pakistan 's economic development goals is possible only in an environment of regional peace and stability. We are, therefore, steadfastly pursuing friendly and cooperative relations with our neighbours on the basis of equality, mutual interest, and mutual benefit.  

There has recently been some forward movement in our relations with India . We hope to sustain this momentum and move towards comprehensive engagement. We believe durable peace in South Asia is achievable. It will be facilitated by the resolution of all outstanding disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir . The peace dividend for the 1.5 billion people in the regional would be enormous.

Peace and stability is Afghanistan is in our vital interest. For its part, Pakistan is engaged bilaterally with the brotherly government of Afghanistan to realize the objectives of peace, security and development.

  Mr. Chairman,

On the international plane, we suggest that NAM pursue the following eight-point programme to advance the cause of peace and development:

One , reinforce the normative framework by stressing strict adherence to the principles of inter-state relations enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

Two , strengthen the multilateral system to curb unilateralist impulses and to advance the interests of all states in an equitable manner.

Three , re-design the global institutional architecture on the basis of democracy, accountability and transparency.

Four , promote the pacific settlements of disputes. Pakistan has already stressed the need for NAM to expeditiously evolve a mechanism for conflict resolution.

Five , develop a new global consensus covering arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation as well as access to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. Our approach should be based on the Charter principles and the concept of equal security for all states.

Six , deepen South-South cooperation.

Seven , pay urgent attention to the issue of climate change , including in South Asia . The developing countries need to be provided adequate resources and technology to deal with this looming crisis.  

Eight , promote inter-faith dialogue.

  Mr. Chairman ,

We are at a historical juncture. The path we take today would determine the evolution of the world tomorrow. We have a historical responsibility to our future generations. 

For its part, Pakistan will continue to actively contribute to the advancement of the NAM 's worthy goals and objectives .

 I thank you.