ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday said heavy responsibility lied on the shoulders of Pakistani diplomats to cope with the challenges of the changing times.

Addressing a graduation ceremony of diplomats at Foreign Service Academy in Islamabad, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said competition between old and new global power houses posed challenges for Pakistan’s foreign policy.

“New alignments are taking place in the world with Asia becoming pivotal of global politics,” he said.

Also Read: Afghan Taliban have agreed to reduction in violence, says FM Mahmood Qureshi

The minister said trade and investment will be key drivers of our prosperity in future. He said we have to protect the interests of Pakistan at any cost.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said interaction of diplomats with various institutions will be helpful in safeguarding Pakistan’s interests abroad.

He said the diplomats were also given an opportunity to visit China which will be helpful in their professional learning.

On Jan 16, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had said Afghan Taliban had expressed willingness for reduction in violence. In a video message, he had said, “This is a step toward peace agreement in Afghanistan.”

The foreign minister had said talks between the United States and the Taliban had been continuing for some time and Pakistan desired some progress in the talks.

He had said Islamabad believed that Pakistan, Afghanistan and the region needed peace and stability.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi had said Pakistan had considerably fulfilled its responsibility regarding the Afghan peace process. He had said we desired that the entire region moved towards peace, which benefited both Pakistan and Afghanistan.