The Prime Minister also called for reinforcing the normative framework by stressing strict adherence to the principles of inter-state relations enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

Gilani said Pakistan has been stressing the need for NAM to expeditiously evolve a mechanism for conflict resolution.

He said sustainable success would come from resolving long-standing political disputes and promoting socio-economic development, as he believed that advancement of Pakistan’s economic development goals was possible only in an environment of regional peace and stability.

“We are, therefore, steadfastly pursuing friendly and cooperative relations with our neighbours on the basis of equality, mutual interest, and mutual benefit,” he said.

He mentioned that there has recently been some forward movement in relations with India and hoped to sustain this momentum and move towards comprehensive engagement.

“We believe durable peace in South Asia is achievable. It will be facilitated by the resolution of all outstanding disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

He said similarly peace and stability in Afghanistan was in country’s vital interest.

He said Pakistan was engaged bilaterally with Afghanistan to realize the objectives of peace, security and development.

Gilani said Pakistan believes that the core of NAM’s efforts today should be the quest for sovereign equality, and said the Movement must renew its emphasis on giving full life and meaning to the immutable principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-aggression, non-intervention, mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence.

He suggested for developing a new global consensus covering arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation as well as access to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

Gilani said there was a need to pay urgent attention to the threat of climate change, including in South Asia, in view of prospects of the melting of glaciers. He also called for deepening South-South cooperation.

The Prime Minister extended warmest felicitations to Egypt for assuming the chair of the Non-Aligned Movement for the second time, adding that as a founding member, Egypt had made a tremendous contribution to the promotion of the goals and objectives of the Movement.

He paid rich tribute to Cuba and its leader Raul Castro for outstanding leadership during his country’s term as the NAM Chair.

He said that summit was taking place at another defining moment in history, with a time of immense challenges but equally immense opportunities.

Prime Minister Gilani stressed for promoting inter-faith dialogue.

“It is our conviction that the vision and principles outlined by the NAM’s founding fathers are not only valid today, but are indeed indispensable. The solidarity which helped us promote collective good in the past is equally essential for the future,” he said.

He said security including the economic security was indivisible.

“We must utilize this opportunity to fashion a holistic response. Our approach should be balanced, premised on the mutuality of interests of developed and developing countries. A conceptual rethink is required regarding the optimal balance between the role of governments and markets,” he said.

Gilani said the temptation for protectionism must be resisted at all costs, and the market access should significantly expand, generating trade and employment opportunities. Stimulus packages and special dispensations to help particularly the vulnerable economies are essential, he added.

The Prime Minister said, “We must also work for comprehensive reform of the global financial and economic architecture, especially in the realm of enhanced regulation, more accountability, and inclusive decision-making.”

He said in Pakistan, peace and development are the core national priorities of the democratic government.

“The guiding light for us is the vision of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the Father of our Nation, of a progressive, modern, democratic, Islamic Pakistan – at peace within, and peace without,” he added.

He said Pakistan was currently engaged in a resolute national effort to eliminate terrorism and militancy, and mentioned the enormous sacrifices rendered by its valiant security forces and the people in fighting terrorism.

He said Pakistan deeply appreciates the support and solidarity it received from friends in the international community.

At the opening session of NAM summit, President Hosny Mubarak took the rotating chair from Raul Castro Ruz, President of the Councils of State and Government of the Republic of Cuba, who presented a report about the activities of NAM during last three years.

Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of United Nations, the Ambassadorial Chairman of G-77 and China, and the representatives of regional groups also delivered statements and expressed commitment for multilateralism to finding solutions to the fundamental problems affecting humanity.

Earlier, Prime Minister Gilani was received at the summit venue by Egypt’s President Hosny Mubarak, who grouped together along with other heads of state and government for an official photograph.

Prime Minister Gilani and First Lady Begum Fauzia Gilani also attended the official lunch hosted by Egypt’s President Hosny Mubarak and Mrs Suzanne Mubarak in honour of the heads of state and government and the first ladies