PM Imran, Abu Dhabi crown prince discuss coronavirus crisis

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan have discussed the COVID-19 epidemic situation and agreed to work closely for effective containment of the outbreak.

According to PM Office statement, the deliberation was held during a telephone call made by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) prince to the premier.

During the discussion, Mohammed bin Zayed also shared his condolences on the tragic accident of PIA plane in Karachi’s Model Colony on 22 May, causing loss of 97 lives.

While thanking the crown prince for releasing Pakistani prisoners and timely repatriation of citizens from the UAE, PM Imran appreciated the measures being taken by the UAE officials to curtail the spread of the plague.

Prime Minister Imran Khan underscored that without speedy and comprehensive actions to generate fiscal space, the developing world may have to contend with dire social, political and economic consequences of the epidemic.

He highlighted his call for the Global Initiative on Debt Relief for developing countries to help mitigate such consequences and to shore up economies.

The prime minister also highlighted his call for the Global Initiative on Debt Relief for developing countries to support alleviate such consequences and to shore up economies.

The two leaders agreed to work closely for effective containment of the coronavirus outbreak and strengthening of bilateral cooperation.

On Monday, Prime Minister Imran Khan had a telephonic call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and discussed a range of bilateral issues.

PM Imran Khan briefed the Turkish President on the steps taken to control the spread of Coronavirus in Pakistan. Both leaders agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation to jointly address the COVID-19 pandemic.

He thanked President Erdogan for providing valuable medical equipment to Pakistan which was reflective of historic linkages between the two countries to help each other in times of need.

The prime minister, while discussing the long term economic repercussions of COVID-19, said that a comprehensive coordinated plan of action on debt relief and restructuring was needed to stave off socio-economic turbulence.

He briefed President Erdogan on the worsening human rights situation in Occupied Kashmir, accentuated by double lockdown and intensified military crackdown.

He also shared Pakistan’s concerns on India’s moves to alter the demographic structure of the occupied territory, while the world was preoccupied with fighting the pandemic.

The prime minister also apprised him of the demonization of Muslims in India in the context of COVID-19 which should be shunned and opposed by the international community.