ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari urged the world to let go of Pakistan’s “stereotypical” image and invited countries to look at the country with a fresh perspective, Singaporean English-language daily The Strait Times reported on Friday.
Bhutto-Zardari, who embarked on a three-day visit to Indonesia and Singapore from December 7-9, told the Singaporean publication that Pakistan had many opportunities to offer to the world, therefore, countries should revive their travel advisories against it.
On Friday, the minister held a meeting with his Singaporean counterpart, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, reviewing the state of bilateral relations, enhancement of bilateral engagements and cooperation.
Pakistan also offered support to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) led processes in the Asia Pacific region.
“As a young political leader, I strongly feel that the world needs to have a fresh look at Pakistan, away from its stereotypical image,” Bhutto Zardari said.
“There are so many opportunities in Pakistan awaiting the world, for which the first step is to lift the travel advisories against the country,” he added.
The foreign minister said he felt strongly that the world “needs to look at us more objectively, as a promising emerging market.”
He said exchanges between Singapore and Pakistan over the years had lost momentum.
“[I am going to] to revive that momentum and intensify our bilateral exchanges. Pakistan is keen to strengthen this relationship in all dimensions,” he said.
Highlighting the political and socioeconomic challenges that Pakistan had been facing for the last few decades, Bhutto-Zardari said the country had come a long way.
