“Pakistan's urgent priority is to ensure rapid economic growth”: FM 

Tashkent: Alluding to the devastation caused by floods in Pakistan, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Tuesday said Pakistan's urgent priority is to ensure rapid economic growth and lift millions out of destitution and hunger. 

While addressing the 26th meeting of Council of Ministers of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Uzbekistan, the minister stressed that a collective approach is needed to address the issues faced by the region including the climate change. 

The regional countries need to develop a strategically robust emergency response mechanism to respond to any climate crisis in future, he said. 

He noted that the issue of climate cooperation is very significant. 

"We will not only construct a stronger infrastructure, but we will do so in a way that is resilient to climate change," he added.

The Foreign Minister welcomed Uzbekistan's proposal to establish a high-level dialogue platform on environmental cooperation within the framework of ECO.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said 

“Pakistan believes the ECO led by shared principles of solidarity and mutual support has the collective strength to measure up to the challenges,” said Bilawal, adding: “Together we can and should make a difference”.

Bhutto further added that Pakistan will continue to accord high priority to trade promotion and facilitation within the ECO.