Islamabad, 5 March 2022 (TDI): The Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke over the phone with the Foreign Minister of Russia, SergeÄ Viktorovich Lavrov on Saturday. The two Foreign Ministers discussed the bilateral ties between their countries and the current situation in the region.
Qureshi recalled his recent visit to Russia as part of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s delegation and the two sides held comprehensive talks on critical issues on the bilateral agenda and the region, including Afghanistan.
Lavrov expressed his profound condolences over the deaths in the terrorist attack in Peshawar and stressed that Russia condemns terrorism in all forms.
Constructive call with Russian FM #SergeyLavrov and thank you for your sincere condolences over the loss of life in the terrorist attack on a mosque in Peshawar and condemnation of all forms of terrorism.
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) March 5, 2022
The Foreign Minister also said that Russia would be maintaining contact with Pakistan on the important bilateral matters that were discussed and that the two sides would continue to work together on advancing united goals of ensuring stability in Afghanistan.
Highlighting Pakistan’s concern at the crisis in Ukraine, Qureshi said that Pakistan had emphasized fundamental principles of the UN Charter, called for de-escalation, and underlined the need for a diplomatic solution in conformity with the relevant multilateral agreements, international law, and provisions of the UN Charter.
➖ On Pakistan’s concern at the latest situation in Ukraine, I shared need for a diplomatic solution in accordance with the relevant multilateral agreements, international law, and provisions of the UN Charter. https://t.co/VFWUJiPzgT
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) March 5, 2022
Qureshi also mentioned his recent telephonic exchanges with the Foreign Ministers of Ukraine, Poland, Romania, and Hungary and with the High Representative of the European Union, in which he had conveyed Pakistan’s principled position and emphasized the significance of finding a solution through dialogue and diplomacy.
➖Also shared my recent phone conversations with the FM’s of Ukraine, Poland, Romania & Hungary and with High Representative of the EU, in which i put forward Pakistan’s principled position and stressed the importance of finding a solution through dialogue and diplomacy.
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) March 5, 2022
He expressed hope that the exchanges that have started between Russia and Ukraine would successfully result in finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis. The Russian minister conveyed the willingness of his side to seek a solution through talks with Ukraine. He also assured Qureshi that his government would provide full support and assistance in the safe evacuation of Pakistanis from Ukraine.
➖ Appreciate opening of the humanitarian corridor between #Russia and #Ukraine and Foreign Minister Lavrov’s assurance of full support for safe and swift evacuation of any remaining Pakistani nationals. https://t.co/SGEnd14qs3
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) March 5, 2022
The two Ministers agreed to maintain contact.
