Pakistani new PM says to promote peace, stability in region

Pakistani new Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Saturday said his government will promote peace and stability in the region.

While addressing the National Assembly soon after he took the vote of confidence, Aziz touched on the foreign policy and announced a comprehensive strategy to deal with the country's challenges.

He said that the foreign policy of the new government is aimed at protecting the interest of the country and promote peace and stability in the region and the world.

Aziz expressed the hope to solve the outstanding dispute of Kashmir with India. "Pakistan will continue to raise its voice for the causes of the Ummah and work for the resolution of Kashmir and Palestine problems and peace in Iraq," he said.

Outlining his strategy, Aziz said his new government has to face the challenges of law and order, strengthen national defense,eradicate poverty and unemployment, achieve greater economic development and work for resolution of Kashmir dispute.

Aziz attached great importance to the country's economy. He stressed that one important part of the strategy will be speedy economic development and passing on its fruits to the common people.

Aziz, 55, has served successfully as finance minister in the past five years. He was elected Friday and sworn in early Saturdayas the country's 23rd prime minister.