VIENTIANE: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Monday said wars and conflicts bred poverty and deprivation and urged the regional countries to resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiations.

Addressing the 9th Asia-European Meeting Summit, he said: “Through talks we would be able to preserve peace and the hard-earned progress we have achieved.”

Prime ministers and head of states of 49 countries are attending the summit being held under the theme of “Friends for Peace, Partners for Prosperity.”

Mr Ashraf said that in pursuit of peace and prosperity, Pakistan had made tremendous sacrifices which needed to be acknowledged.

“Peace is a prerequisite for prosperity because the region’s enormous potential will remain underutilised if an atmosphere of conflict and tension continues to prevail,” he said.

The premier said security (situation) in the region, caused by the fallout of three-decade-old conflict in Afghanistan, had deprived the people of the level of prosperity they deserved.

He said both Asia and Europe had gone through financial crisis during recent years, and added that it was time for both to learn from the harsh realities.

“As we move ahead, new challenges are emerging, disturbing peace and harmony,” he said, adding it was important that all religions and their followers were accorded the respect they deserved.

He said it was unfortunate that while misusing freedom of expression, some individuals had tried to trespass the threshold of decency and in the process sought to cause misunderstanding between the followers of different religions.

Mr Ashraf said the trend would be seen as another kind of extremism and, therefore, was neither desirable nor welcome.

“All religions teach tolerance and accommodation. We need to inculcate, promote and respect these values,” he added.

Regarding the Asia-Europe Meeting grouping, he said Pakistan attached importance to its process and had actively participated in its activities at all levels since joining the forum in 2006.

Prime Minister Ashraf appreciated the people and the government of Laos for organising such a major event.

He expressed gratitude for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation in Vientiane.

He welcomed Bangladesh, Norway and Switzerland as new members of ASEM and said their presence would be a source of strength for the forum.—APP