The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) held a Roundtable Discussion on Pakistan’s relations with the Gulf countries on February 26, 2019 under its Tuesday Dialogue series. Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhry, Director General, ISSI moderated the discussion which was held under Chatham House rules.
The main points raised during the discussion were as follows:
- The relationship between Pakistan and the Gulf countries should be built on stakes in diverse – mostly economic – fields. Pakistan’s good security cooperation with the Gulf States should be leveraged to build a comprehensive, robust relationship.
- Follow up on projects is crucially important. Task forces on projects should be constituted for follow up. Feasibility study on the Saudi funded refinery project in Gwadar should be expedited as soon as possible.
