ISLAMABAD, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A three-day conference of diplomats in Pakistan kicked off here on Tuesday to review emerging challenges in the region, especially after U.S. President Donald Trump released his policy for South Asia, officials said.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said some important foreign policy issues will be brainstormed in the conference.
He said Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif decided to hold the conference with a view to "evaluate Pakistan's potential strengths and to examine policy choices in the view of the evolving geopolitical and regional situation."
Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is expected to deliver a speech at the concluding session on Thursday.
Asif's forthcoming visit to regional countries and Pakistan's strategy for the upcoming UN General Assembly's session will also be on the agenda, a Pakistani official said.
Another official told Xinhua in Islamabad that "high level" contacts between Pakistan and other countries are on the card in the General Assembly's session, mainly on Afghanistan.
U.S. President Donald Trump had accused Pakistan of sheltering militants and stated that "we can no longer be silent about Pakistan's safe havens for terrorist organizations. Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with our effort in Afghanistan. It has much to lose by continuing to harbor criminals and terrorists."
Trump's criticism of Pakistan has evoked strong response by the country's top civil and military leaders. The Pakistani parliament has unanimously adopted a strong- worded resolution and political parties have showed unity against the U.S. warnings to Pakistan.
