ISLAMABAD, SEPT 15 /DNA/ – First Diplomat’s Discourse on “Regional Connectivity: In Asian Context” was convened today at Foreign Service Academy, Islamabad. Besides several Islamabad-based Ambassadors, diplomats, think-tank representatives, serving and former Pakistan Ambassadors, undertraining Foreign Service of Pakistan officers as well as ASEAN Country diplomats currently undergoing training at the Academy attended the event. One-day event was organized in collaboration with COMSATS University, Islamabad and Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI). 

Inaugural Session was addressed by Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, newly arrived Ambassador of China to Pakistan Jiang Ziadong and Director General Foreign Service Academy, Ambassador Mazhar Javed.

Two panel discussions were held, one themed around BRI and ASEAN and the other on Pakistan as the hub of regional connectivity. Participants included Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Ambassadors of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan in Pakistan, Pakistan Ambassadors to Philippines, Thailand, UAE, Oman and Azerbaijan and former Ambassador of Pakistan to China Ms. Naghmana Hashmi and former Ambassador to Indonesia Mr. Muhammad Hassan.

Speakers underlined the importance of Belt and Road Initiative and the opportunities it had for participating countries. Pakistan’s potential to become a hub of regional connectivity was highlighted. Progress already made in that direction and what was needed to be done came under discussion.  Discussions were followed by a lively question-and-answer session.