ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday categorically stated that Pakistan desired peace and tranquility in the Middle East and would maintain the policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of states.

Addressing the concluding session of the Envoys Conference which focused on the Middle East, at the Foreign Office in the federal capital, Sharif said Pakistan had an equal aspiration to forge closer bilateral ties with all countries in the region.

“Our efforts to develop bilateral ties with one country are not, and will not be, at the expense of another,” the Prime Minister said and added Pakistan remains ready to take two steps to greet a hand extended in friendship “Our approach to the transition in the Arab world, would continue to be guided by the principles, enshrined in the United Nations Charter.”

He added that Pakistan was also paying particular attention to the promotion of its special relationships with fraternal countries in the Gulf and Middle East and in this regard mentioned the recent exchanges at the highest level that were reflective of these endeavours.

The conference apart from Pakistan's envoys was attended by Advisor on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant for Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatimi, Secretary Foreign Affairs Iizaz Chaudhry and members of the Cabinet.

Terming diplomacy as the country's first line of defence, the Prime Minister said it was an excellent initiative to bring Pakistan's envoys home periodically, for intensive debate and discussion amongst themselves, as well as with the concerned stake-holders.

He advised the Foreign Office to make it a regular feature of country's diplomatic interaction as its envoys play a vital role in the implementation of Pakistan's foreign policy.

Their invaluable assessments and recommendations, based on their wide experience, expertise and in-depth knowledge, serve as crucial inputs for the Government, in formulating and calibrating policies.