From Our Diplomatic Correspondent
BEIJING: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov wherein he expressed the hope that talks between Russia and Ukraine would succeed in finding a diplomatic solution.
FM Qureshi shared Pakistan’s principled position on the situation in Ukraine including cessation of hostilities, provision of humanitarian assistance, and efforts for a solution through dialogue and diplomacy.
In the context of the discussions held during Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent visit to Moscow and their own telephone conversation earlier this month, the two foreign ministers reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on the regional situation.
The foreign minister also conveyed Pakistan’s readiness to reinforce efforts for a diplomatic solution including through the OIC platform.
FM Qureshi is visiting China to participate in the Third Ministerial Meeting of Neighbouring Countries of Afghanistan from March 29-31.
Qureshi also met with Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Hossein Amir Abdollahian on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting.
While referring to the frequent high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Iran, the foreign minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all areas.
He also underscored the importance of earliest completion of border markets in the context of enhanced bilateral economic cooperation.
During the meeting, the two foreign ministers had a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and the regional situation.
The foreign minister also briefed on the unprovoked violation of Pakistan’s airspace by an Indian supersonic missile, underlining that such actions were fraught with grave implications and represented a serious threat to regional peace and stability.
On the situation in Afghanistan, the foreign minister highlighted that as neighbours, Pakistan and Iran had been closely coordinating.
“Pakistan would continue to play its role for political and economic stability of Afghanistan, which would ultimately benefit the entire region,” he added.
Qureshi expressed the hope that the Joint Economic Commission session would be held at the earliest to boost trade and economic collaboration.
The foreign minister expressed satisfaction on the facilitative movement of trucks under TIR, which would further strengthen economic linkages in the region.
Qureshi appreciated Iran’s steadfast support for the Kashmir cause, especially at the Supreme Leader level.
Foreign minister Dr Abdollahian reaffirmed Iran’s desire to further strengthen fraternal ties in diverse areas of bilateral cooperation. He also extended an invitation to the foreign minister to visit Iran to carry forward the process of expansion of bilateral relations.
