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ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.
He was talking to Palestinian Foreign Minister Dr Riyad Al Maliki on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey.
Qureshi underscored the importance of the two-state solution to the Palestine issue, based on pre-1967 borders under the relevant UNSC resolutions for sustainable peace in the region. He also expressed strong concerns over the latest Israeli strikes against Gaza after the recent ceasefire.
The Palestinian Foreign Minister briefed Shah Mahmood Qureshi on the latest situation in Palestinian Occupied Territories.
He also conveyed deep appreciation on behalf of the Palestinian President and people of Palestine to the foreign minister for proactively taking up the case of Palestine at the UN General Assembly during the recent Israeli aggression against Gaza.
Both foreign ministers exchanged views on rising Islamophobia and agreed on the need for evolving a joint strategy to counter discrimination against all religious faiths, particularly against Muslims.
Qureshi also extended an invitation to the Palestinian Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan. Riyad Al Maliki accepted the invitation and responded that he looked forward to visiting Pakistan in the near future.
Earlier Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has underscored Pakistan’s consistent efforts to facilitate the Afghan peace process.
During his meeting with his counterpart Dr. Fuad Hussein, the foreign minister expressed hope that the Afghan parties would realize the opportunity and workout an inclusive politically negotiated settlement.
He highlighted the importance of liberalizing the visa regime for facilitating Pakistani Zaireen visiting the religious sites in Iraq.
The foreign minister also held an informal meeting with his Malaysian counterpart Hishammuddin Hussein on the sidelines of the summit.
Both the foreign minister expressed the consensus view that the Diplomacy Forum is vital to promote regional connectivity. They also lauded the efforts of the Turkish government.
