The Foreign Policy of Pakistan strives for the promotion of peace and security at the regional and global

levels. It also aims at accelerating the country's socio-economic progress. In keeping with its international obligations and in conformity with the United Nations Charter, Pakistan consistently seeks friendship and cooperation in its foreign relations on the basis of sovereign equality, mutual respect and benefit, non-interference and peaceful settlement of disputes. The essence of Pakistan's Foreign Policy are:

Develop friendly relations with all countries particularly the Muslim world, major powers and immediate neighbours; Safeguard vital security and geo-strategic interests of Pakistan ; Resolve the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council and wishes of the Kashmiri people; Promote the image of Pakistan as a strong, dynamic, progressive, moderate and democratic Islamic country; Augment economic and commercial interests abroad; and Protect the interests of Pakistan 's expatriate community abroad.

Ask anyone in the streets of Pakistan as to which country is Pakistan's best ally, and the unanimous answer would be in the favour of China. Pakistan was one of the first groups of countries that recognized China on May 21, 1951. Since then, China and Pakistan have witnessed smooth development of friendly and neighbourly relations as well as mutually beneficial cooperation. Although, initially the relations were not very warm due Pakistan's alienation towards West, it was during the Bandung Conference in 1955 that the prime ministers of both countries (Premier Zhou Enlai and Prime Minister M. Ali) decided to further strengthen their relations. Iran was the first country that recognized Pakistan on 22 August 1947. Pakistan's relations with Iran have since been friendly, if not very friendly - mainly due to differences of Islamic beliefs. However, Iran has always supported Pakistan in troubled times and was in forefronts to provide all possible assistance to Pakistan with its disputes with India, specially in the 1965 Indo-Pak war. Since the institution of Islamists government in Iran, the relations between the two countries remain just cordial and lukewarm. Pakistan on its part is always on the lookout to support Iran on all international foras, specially these days on its nuclear issue. The proposed gas pipeline between Iran - Pakistan and India may further improve the relations between Iran and Pakistan.