Islamabad, 29 September 2023 (TDI): Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani affirmed that Pakistan supported a two-state solution to resolve the Palestine issue while speaking at a press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on September 28.
He emphasized that the Palestine issue must be resolved by the wishes of the Palestinians, maintaining that Pakistan’s position regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict remains consistent with its historical stance.
During the press conference, Minister Jilani expressed deep concern over the ongoing human rights violations taking place in Palestine.
He reiterated Pakistan’s call for the recognition of Al-Quds as the capital of Palestine, a position that has been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Addressing the media, he said that Pakistan will keep its “national interests on priority” whenever a decision is taken.
The Foreign Minister insisted that the situation is extremely comparable to Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
Pakistan has always resisted pressure to recognize Israel, though in 2005 the then-Pakistani and Israeli Foreign Ministers held a landmark meeting in Turkey.
However, there was always substantial opposition for Pakistan to maintain diplomatic links with Israel in the absence of a solution to the Palestinian problem, therefore the process was unable to proceed.
Last week, Israeli Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen told journalists that during the UN General Assembly, he met leaders from several Muslim countries who had not recognized Israel yet.
The Foreign Minister’s statement comes as Israel has increased efforts to stabilize ties with Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries.
Also Read: Pakistan strongly condemns Israeli Plan for West Bank settlements
Foreign Minister mentioned that Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar had actively participated in several conferences during the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
According to Jilani, the Prime Minister also had the opportunity to meet various prominent figures, including Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft.
Foreign Minister disclosed that he engaged in approximately 20 bilateral meetings.
He also took part in a conference focused on addressing damages caused by climate change and joined a meeting of the US-Pakistani Business Council.
Furthermore, he highlighted his participation in various meetings, such as the OIC Contact Group for Jammu and Kashmir.
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