Disputes should be resolved through dialogue & diplomacy: Qureshi

ISLAMABAD, Feb 27 (SABAH): Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a telephonic conversation with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba on Sunday.

Foreign Minister Qureshi shared Pakistan’s perspective in detail, reiterating serious concern at the situation, underscoring the importance of de-escalation, and stressing the indispensability of diplomacy.

The Foreign Minister noted that Prime Minister Imran Khan in his recent visit to Moscow regretted the latest situation between Russia and Ukraine and said that Pakistan had hoped diplomacy could avert a military conflict. He stressed that conflict was not in anyone’s interest, and that the developing countries were always hit the hardest economically, in case of conflict. The Foreign Minister underlined Pakistan’s belief that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

Foreign Minister Qureshi also took up the important matter of evacuation of Pakistani community and students in Ukraine and their safe return to Pakistan. He appreciated the role played by the Ukrainian authorities in the evacuation process and asked for continued facilitation and smooth border crossing at the earliest possible. The two Foreign Ministers agreed to remain in contact.

Meanwhile Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi received a telephone call from Lord Tariq Ahmad, Minister for South Asia, North Africa, the United Nations and the Commonwealth at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) on Sunday.

The two sides exchanged views on Pakistan-UK relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Foreign Minister Qureshi reiterated the importance Pakistan attaches to its good relations and close cooperation with the UK and other European partners. He hoped that the next round of Strategic Dialogue with the UK will take place in near future.

On the developments in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Qureshi reiterated concerns at the heightened tensions and military escalation. He stated that Prime Minister Imran Khan, during his recent visit to Moscow, had regretted the latest situation between Russia and Ukraine and said that Pakistan had hoped diplomacy could avert a military conflict. The Prime Minister had further underscored that conflict was not in anyone’s interest and that the developing countries were always hit the hardest economically, in case of conflict. Foreign Minister Qureshi emphasized that diplomacy and a peaceful solution were indispensable. In this regard, he stressed sustained engagement through diplomacy and dialogue.

On Pakistan-UK ties, the two sides reiterated their resolve to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

Lord Ahmad thanked the Foreign Minister for the detailed exchange and expressed hope that UK and Pakistan will keep on working together on issues of common interest.