Pakistan desires stronger defence ties with GCC: PM

[A.Rafay]

KUWAIT CITY: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Wednesday said that Pakistan has been working for an early conclusion of free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council and expressed the desire to further strengthen defence cooperation.

During his meeting with the king of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah, on the sidelines of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit on Wednesday, the premier said that the two countries enjoy close, cordial and friendly relations based on mutual trust and understanding. He said that Pakistan attaches great importance and was keen to strengthen its relations with Bahrain. Raja commended King Hamad’s endeavour to promote understanding among various segments of society and to resolve the problems of his people through dialogue.

He noted that Pakistan diaspora was significantly contributing to the development and progress in Bahrain both in public and private sectors. He said that 65,000-strong Pakistani expatriate community in Bahrain is an asset for both the countries. He also thanked Bahrain for taking care of the Pakistani community. Raja said that economic and trade relations between the two countries have been steadily improving, however, they were well below the real potential. He said it is the need of the hour to improve this by availing existing opportunities.

The prime minister sad it was important to hold meetings of the Bilateral Consultations and Joint Ministerial Commission as they were long overdue. Raja also extended an invitation to King Hamad to visit Pakistan, which he accepted. The monarch said Pakistan was his second home and thanked the government and people of Pakistan for their continued support. Prime Minister Raja also held bilateral discussions with Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He thanked the amir for inviting him to the ACD Summit and extending hospitality to his delegation. Sheikh Sabah said that the relations between the two countries had been smooth, friendly, close and brotherly. He said that he was looking forward to visit Pakistan since a huge Pakistani community was working in Kuwait and making a valuable contribution to the country’s economy.

Pakistan and Kuwait enjoy a long history of cordial, brotherly relationship based on strong religious and cultural ties. These bonds of friendship exist at official level as well as between the people of the two countries. Pakistan was among those countries that sent their troops to Kuwait following the Iraqi invasion in 1990. Nine Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom during the mine cleaning operation there.

Kuwait, on its part, has always extended help to Pakistan. The government and the people donated generously after the 2005 earthquake and the recent devastating floods.

Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan

 

[Kompromat]

Unless Pakistan has an independent economy, we shouldn't be talking big. Pakistan's inclusion into GCC defense block can change the dynamics of the entire region so we must take it slow and assess our interests before talking steps towards GCC.

 

[tarrar]

Useless & full of crap by PM, GCC are pro US & speaking of Kuwait they have closed visas for Pakistan, so how can we have good relations with Kuwait.

PM is sh*t headed person. There is so much work that needs to be done before giving such baseless statements . The base should be strong but at the moment there is no base.

 

[Sinnerman108]

Useless & full of crap by PM, GCC are pro US & speaking of Kuwait they have closed visas for Pakistan, so how can we have good relations with Kuwait.

PM is sh*t headed person. There is so much work that needs to be done before giving such baseless statements . The base should be strong but at the moment there is no base.

Kuwait has a visa policy based on stability, demand etc.

They have not just put a stop on Pakistan but other countries too.

Next time you decide to post comments, I sugest you base them on some thing more than your girl ego.

 

[UmarJustice]

KUWAIT CITY: Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has said that Pakistan attaches great importance to strengthening its relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain.

During his meeting with the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah, on the sidelines of Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit here Wednesday, the premier said that the two countries enjoy close, cordial and friendly relations based on mutual trust and understanding.

Raja Pervaiz Ashraf commended King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah’s endevour to promote understanding among various segments of society and resolved the problems of his people through dialogue. Pakistan Diaspora is significantly contributing to the development and progress in Bahrain both in public and private sectors, he added.

He said that 65,000-strong Pakistani expatriate community in Bahrain is an asset for both the countries. He also thanked the Kingdom for taking care of the Pakistani community. Raja Pervez Ashraf said that economic and trade relation between the two countries have been steadily improving. However, it is well below the real potential and it is the need of the hour to improve this by availing existing opportunities.

In this respect it is important to hold meetings of Bilateral Consultations and Joint Ministerial Commission as they are long overdue. The prime minister said that Pakistan has been working for an early conclusion of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with GCC and expressed the desire to further strengthening Defense Cooperation. Raja Pervez Ashraf also extended an invitation to King of Bahrain to visit Pakistan which he accepted.

Pakistan is his second home, King of Bahrain said and thanked the government and people of Pakistan for their continued support. The prime minister also on Wednesday held a bilateral meeting with Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on the sidelines of Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit here.

He lauded the initiative of the Amir for successfully holding the first ever ACD Summit. He thanked the Amir for inviting him to participate in the summit and for the hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. Raja Pervez Ashraf expressed his appreciation to the Amir for hosting a very large Pakistani community, which was contributing significantly to the development of Kuwait, their second home.

He sought the support of the Amir in the resolution of the visa problems faced by Pakistanis. He also extended an invitation to the Amir to visit Pakistan. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah accepted the invitation to visit Pakistan and said that the relations between the two countries were most cordial and brotherly.

PM Raja Pervaiz Ashraf returned home Wednesday evening after his three-day official visit to Kuwait where he participated in the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) summit.Prime Minister, Ashraf visited Kuwait at the invitation of his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheik Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabahfor to address the first Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) summit.

Pakistan keen to strengthen relations with Bahrain: PM - thenews.com.pk

 

[ashley.1965]

Kuwait has a visa policy based on stability, demand etc.

Care to back that up with some proof?

Kuwait, along with most of the other GCC states, also has a visa policy that grants visa on arrival for Western passport holders, but denies the same to fellow Arabs and Muslims.

Their immigrant worker visa policies tend to align with whatever happens to be prevailing Western geopolitical zeitgeist. Entire groups of people can be expelled (as happened during the First Gulf War), and others can be welcomed. Why do you think that Filipinos - generally nice people, but from an entirely different background and culture - suddenly started moving in large numbers into the Gulf states during the 1980s, when traditionally it had been South Asian workers? Do you believe that was just accidental?

They have not just put a stop on Pakistan but other countries too.

Look up an article entitled "Ministry suspends work permits for certain nationalities" at arabtimesonline.com

The suspended nationalities aren't exactly flavour-of-the-month with Western policymakers at present!

 

[rockstarIN]

Pakistan has nothing to offer to GCC except man power & nuke in terms of military. GCC are cash rich to get anything which is available. And they are not pro-china as of now.

 

[batmannow]

Its all new regional power shift as pakistan introducing itself with its new parteners like russia china & iran !
Its a powerfull grouping with rich opportunties in different ways & kuwait wants to come close to this new regional power full grouping cause it sees US declining as the only superpower of the world ?
Its about to happen & raja jee is just there because of his good luck , any way thts a possitive develpment!
Pakistani economy doesn't need more investments , it only needs good law & order in place & for good law & order we need stronger defence !

 

[KRAIT]

Unless Pakistan has an independent economy, we shouldn't be talking big. Pakistan's inclusion into GCC defense block can change the dynamics of the entire region so we must take it slow and assess our interests before talking steps towards GCC.

Only realistic comment with sense of approaching the problem and goals.

Once you have economic, political and social stability, you can then lead or play a major part in creating a powerful group.

GCC is already dependent on West in many fields. Its not just about defense. Its about education, trade and many more things. So before creating a group with GCC countries who have not done anything substantial for Pakistan, it should focus solely on China, Iran and gradual increase indiplomatic relations with Russia.

Law and taxation won't be sufficient, if you want good growth, attracting investment is the major priority.

 

[surya kiran]

What is it that the GCC can offer Pakistan in the defence arena? Pakistan already had a better force compared to the GCC. Only thing they can provide is money. If the Pak economy gets on track, Pak will not even need the money. Join the GCC defence council and its as good as telling the Iran angle good bye.

What is the strategic advantage a GCC will provide Pakistan?

 

[KingMamba]

Bad move on the part of Pakistan, no defense cooperation should be made with the GCC until they improve their ties with Iran.
Also what good would such defensive cooperation bring to Pakistan?? Will the Saudis transfer weapons tech to Pakistan?? If not then there is no point and this would just serve as a noose around Pakistan's neck making it hard for them to maneuver internationally.

 

[Kompromat]

Only realistic comment with sense of approaching the problem and goals.

Once you have economic, political and social stability, you can then lead or play a major part in creating a powerful group.

GCC is already dependent on West in many fields. Its not just about defense. Its about education, trade and many more things. So before creating a group with GCC countries who have not done anything substantial for Pakistan, it should focus solely on China, Iran and gradual increase indiplomatic relations with Russia.

Law and taxation won't be sufficient, if you want good growth, attracting investment is the major priority.

The biggest issue i see with this proposal is that, there is a huge difference in economies. Unless we bridge it, we would become subservient regardless of our military & technological capabilities. GCC, don't get me wrong has great potential & it is need of the hour too. Imagine if GCC+ Pakistan had invaded Afghanistan instead of NATO on a stabilization mission, the war would be long over. GCC's biggest appeal for Pakistan would be its growth in military R&D sector, if we pin up with it, that means we can take the best of GCC and our projects with the Chinese - absorbing R&D from both sides with benefit Pakistan.

But again, i won't move an inch unless we have an independent economy instead of living off the handouts!

 

[Thorough Pro]

Useless & full of crap by PM, GCC are pro US & speaking of Kuwait they have closed visas for Pakistan, so how can we have good relations with Kuwait.

PM is sh*t headed person. There is so much work that needs to be done before giving such baseless statements . The base should be strong but at the moment there is no base.

And you think PM just said that at the spur of the moment? For you kind information every foreign visiting delegate is duly briefed (coached) by experienced foreign office experts for that specific country. President and PM just don't blurt out vague statements likw you did in your post. Learn to respect the head of state, you may not likethem or their party, but they are voted by a majority of this country as per democratic process.

 

[INDIAISM]

Its all new regional power shift as pakistan introducing itself with its new parteners like russia china & iran !
Its a powerfull grouping with rich opportunties in different ways & kuwait wants to come close to this new regional power full grouping cause it sees US declining as the only superpower of the world ?
Its about to happen & raja jee is just there because of his good luck , any way thts a possitive develpment!
Pakistani economy doesn't need more investments , it only needs good law & order in place & for good law & order we need stronger defence !

Come back from your dream world America is going no where...and secondly the day America will go down it won't go down alone... believe it or not they will take world economy with them....No matter wether its China,Japan,Australia,Gulg,Russia,India,Europe,Pakistan..Non of them has the capability to keep their economy running without America......

To be franK Globalisation has made us more dependent on America and other western countries like U.K,France,Germany,Canada,Italy etc....