ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday had a telephonic conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and agreed to enhance bilateral relations and close cooperation in the regional context.
Foreign Minister Qureshi underlined that Pakistan considers Russia an important partner and desires to forge a long-term and multi-dimensional partnership.
The two foreign ministers discussed matters of mutual interest, including the COVID-19 pandemic, cooperation at the multilateral forum, prospects of enhanced bilateral cooperation and other regional issues.
Qureshi offered condolences on the loss of precious lives in Russia due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He apprised his Russian counterpart of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s call for ‘Global Initiative on Debt Relief’ for developing countries.
He said coordinated and comprehensive actions are essential to creating fiscal space needed by the developing world to deal with the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19. Lavrov expressed support for debt relief initiative and assured to play a positive role.
Qureshi shared deep concern over the continuing lockdown in occupied Kashmir as well as the intensification of military crackdown by Indian forces and attempts to change the demographic structure of the territory. He underlined the importance of urgent steps to address the grave situation.
The two foreign ministers also discussed the situation in Afghanistan in the context of the recent positive developments. Qureshi reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for an Afghan peace process and underlined Pakistan’s positive contribution to the US-Taliban peace agreement.
He stressed the importance of inclusive intra-Afghan negotiations as the only way to build durable peace and security in the country. The two leaders agreed on maintaining close consultations as part of regional efforts to support the Afghan peace process.
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