Regional connectivity key for changing states’ partnerships: Khalid Taimur

Spokesman Report
ISLAMABAD: The second session of the Two-Day Online International Conference on ‘’
The Rise of Asian Geopolitics and Terrorism at the Threshold’’ was conducted by Ankara Center for Crisis and Policy Research (ANKASAM), Turkey on Sunday (23 May 2021).Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS)
was the session Chairperson and speaker.
Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Session Chairperson and Moderator, extended his appreciation and gratitude for the Ankara Center for Crisis and Policy Research (ANKASAM) for timely organizing the conference and highlighting crucial matters of concern for the international community.
Khalid during his speech on ‘’Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan in the Rise of Asian
Geopolitics’’ briefly discussed the significant imperatives. He stated that regional connectivity is the main element of changing states’ alignments and partnerships. In this multipolar world, the states are more inclined to cooperate and, therefore, avoid confrontations as it hampers economic development, peace and security. Taimur gave his
analysis on the major shifts in the Asian geopolitics. He stated that with the rise of Asian
geopolitics, different aspects of cooperation have emerged.
Wider regional collaborations and realignments are now shaping bilateral or multilateral
relations among countries. He comprehensively highlighted the role of Turkey and Central
Asian states in the socio-economic development of Afghanistan and praised their extensive support to bring peace in to region. Mr. Khalid stated that the Afghan endgame is
now precipitating significant re-alignments and repositioning by major powers at the
regional level and beyond.
Taimur also suggested three main aspects related to the comprehensive work in the
Afghan peace process that can be arranged in three areas. First, developing a politically negotiated settlement. Second, increasing legitimacy for the Afghan Government. Third,
building a national public consensus on the future relations between diverse groups.
He also stated that in the transitioned geopolitical contours of this region, countries like Iran, China, Turkey, Afghanistan, Central Asian Republics and Pakistan, are being interlinked into a very viable interdependent bloc within the ambit of the BRI-CPEC. While concluding, Mr. Khalid stated that the cooperation that began with economic assistance can lead to partnership and collaboration in many other domains. Therefore, exploring grounds for joint ventures and enhanced cultural exchanges would curtail differences and prejudices, increase people-to-people contacts, and benefit all states.
Dr. Mehmood ul Hassan Khan, Member Board of Experts, CGSS, (Pakistan) talked about ’Central Asia and Afghanistan in the Rise of Asian Geopolitics’. He explained in detail about the changing dynamics of the region. He gave profound analysis on the US incumbent government’s policies regarding the complete withdrawal