Islamabad, 8 March 2022 (TDI): Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke via phone with the People’s Republic of China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two Foreign Ministers talked about bilateral relations and shared their perspectives on the regional and global situation.
State Councilor Wang Yi expressed his condolences and sympathies with the victims’ families for the loss of lives in the cowardly terrorist attack in Peshawar. The terrorist act, the Foreign Minister said, was an attack on Pakistan’s peace-loving people, who had made great sacrifices to rid the country of the scourge of terrorism. He supported the government’s determination to keep up its unwavering counter-terrorism efforts and bring the criminals to justice.
Foreign Minister Qureshi emphasized the importance of close coordination between the two sides for the early realization of agreed ventures and projects, recalling the Prime Minister’s successful visit to China, during which several important decisions were made to advance bilateral practical cooperation. He expressed his delight at the CPEC’s high-quality development and the rapid movement of industry and investment to Pakistan.
The Foreign Minister expressed Pakistan’s worry over the situation in Ukraine and emphasized the importance of finding a diplomatic solution in accordance with applicable multilateral agreements, international law, and UN Charter provisions. He also expressed Pakistan’s concern about the negative economic repercussions of rising food prices, as well as supply chain disruptions, for developing countries.
The Foreign Minister informed State Councilor Wang Yi of his outreach to Ukraine’s, Poland’s, Romania’s, Hungary’s, and Russia’s foreign ministers, as well as the European Union’s High Representative. Pakistan had advocated for de-escalation and dispute resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, maintaining its principled position based on respect for other governments’ sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Foreign Minister expressed optimism that Russia and Ukraine will be able to reach a diplomatic agreement.
The two Foreign Ministers discussed the ongoing efforts in Afghanistan to achieve peace and stability, as well as the importance of the international community continuing to provide humanitarian aid to the Afghan people.
Both Foreign Ministers agreed to maintain close communication.
