FM Qureshi telephones UAE counterpart, discuss coronavirus situation

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has telephoned his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and discussed the ongoing coronavirus situation.

According to a press release issued by the Foreign Office of Pakistan, FM Qureshi thanked the UAE foreign minister for his support in battling coronavirus pandemic.  

FM Qureshi also expressed his gratitude to the diplomat for releasing 400 Pakistani prisoners and giving the green signal for their subsequent repatriation.

The press release said, “While exchanging views on the global outbreak of COVID-19, the two foreign ministers agreed on the importance of enhanced bilateral cooperation to jointly address the challenges.”

FM Qureshi apprised his UAE counterpart about the latest situation of the outbreak in Pakistan and the steps being taken to stem the disease.

“He also informed him of the efforts being made by the government for the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis from the UAE,” the press release added.

He informed Al-Nayhan about Prime Minister Imran Khan’s call for a ‘Global Initiative for Debt Relief,’ underscoring the need to enable developing countries to save precious lives and shore up economies.

FM Qureshi shared his concerns on the sinister campaign in India which was aimed at demonising Indian Muslims in the context of the coronavirus.

The UAE counterpart thanked FM Qureshi for his call and appreciated the response of the Pakistan government in tackling the coronavirus pandemic.

The UAE foreign minister highlighted efforts of the UAE government in controlling the pandemic, including during the month of Ramazan. 

He also emphasised that concrete steps would be required globally to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on economies.

The two ministers agreed to remain in contact for collaboration in efforts to contain the pandemic and other related matters, the press release added.