ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday stressed on a coordinated approach by the international community to combat the spread of coronavirus.
In a telephonic conversation with French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, the foreign minister said COVID-19 has spread to almost all countries of the world and the situation demands a coordinated approach. Expressing deep concern over the loss of precious lives, the foreign minister lauded the steps being taken by the French authorities to contain the virus
He also briefed Foreign Minister Le Drian about the measures underway in Pakistan to contain the outbreak. He also thanked him for looking after thirteen Pakistani nationals who were affected in France from the coronavirus disease.
In view of the situation in Iran, Qureshi underscored the need for the immediate lifting of sanctions and extending humanitarian assistance to enable Iranian authorities to save precious human lives. Iran is one of the worst affected countries by the pandemic but faces stiff economic sanctions preventing the provision of necessary medical assistance.
He also expressed deep concern over the continuing communication and movement lockdown in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which is depriving eight million Kashmiris of critical information and essential medical supplies needed to effectively contain the pandemic.
The French dignitary agreed with the Foreign Minister’s assessment of the situation in Iran and the need to provide debt relief to developing countries. He expressed his intention to raise the issue of lifting sanctions on Iran with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as well as providing debt relief to developing countries at the G-20 Summit.
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