Pakistan expects NZ to share information on calling off tour: FM Qureshi

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday said that Pakistan expected New Zealand to share the information which led to the New Zealand Cricket Board’s last-minute decision to cancel Pakistan tour.

According to the Foreign Office, Qureshi received a video call from New Zealand Foreign Minister Ms Nanaia Mahuta and discussed the whole range of issues concerning bilateral relations and regional cooperation.

“On New Zealand Cricket Board’s last-minute decision to cancel Pakistan tour, Pakistan expected New Zealand to share the information that led to that decision to call off the tour,” said Qureshi received a video call from New Zealand Foreign Minister Ms Nanaia Mahuta.

The foreign minister conveyed that New Zealand Cricket Board’s decision disappointed millions of cricket lovers. He also suggested that New Zealand shall consider and indicate another opportunity for the Pakistan tour.

Foreign Minister Qureshi appreciated the steady progress in multi-dimensional bilateral relations over the years based on mutual trust and understanding. He renewed a strong desire and commitment to consolidate and further enhance cooperation in diverse fields in line with shared objectives of peace and development.

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Both sides agreed to further enhance bilateral cooperation in Anti Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) domains. Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s high-level political commitment to bring its AML/CFT regime to international standards. He highlighted the sustained efforts made including unprecedented actions taken by Pakistan during last three years.

He also highlighted the ongoing gross human rights violations committed by Indian security forces in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He underscored the need for the international community to help address the serious situation and facilitate a peaceful resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute.

Foreign Minister Qureshi briefed his counterpart on Pakistan’s constructive role in support of efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan. He underscored the importance of inclusive political settlement, need for the international community to positively engage with Afghanistan, and provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance.

Foreign Minister Mahuta conveyed profound gratitude for Pakistan’s facilitative role in safe evacuation of their nationals and others from Afghanistan. Expressing satisfaction at the current level of engagement, both agreed on further enhancing high-level interactions. Foreign Minister Mahuta invited Foreign Minister Qureshi to visit New Zealand at the earliest opportunity.