Pakistan wanted to explore new avenues for collaboration between Pakistan & Ethiopia: Qureshi

ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (SABAH): Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi received Ambassador Redwan Hussien, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, at the Foreign Office on Monday. Ambassador Hussien is visiting Pakistan as the Special Envoy of Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia.

Noting the long history of fraternal ties and close cooperation between the two countries, the Foreign Minister said that Pakistan wanted to explore new avenues for collaboration between Pakistan and Ethiopia. He welcomed the initiation of bilateral consultations between the two countries at the Foreign Secretary level.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi lauded Ethiopia’s decision to prioritise Pakistan among the countries where it is opening new diplomatic missions.

The Foreign Minister also underlined the importance of reviving direct flights between Addis Ababa and Karachi, noting that it would be an important measure for promoting bilateral trade and people-to-people exchanges.

The Foreign Minister also highlighted the Government’s “Engage Africa” policy to deepen its across-the-board engagement with the African continent and the steps taken in this regard.

Ambassador Hussien thanked the Government of Pakistan for its hospitality and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s desire for further enhancing bilateral ties, especially in the trade and economic realms.

Meanwhile Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi received a telephone call from Annalena Baerbock, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany on Monday.

The two Ministers exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as important regional issues. Foreign Minister Qureshi congratulated his German counterpart on recently assuming her office. He stated that Germany was a valued, longstanding partner of Pakistan and Pakistan was committed to further enhancing bilateral relations in all dimensions, particularly in the fields of trade and investment,energy, climate change, radicalization etc. Discussing Afghanistan, the Foreign Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve in supporting the international community in its efforts to strengthen peace and stability in Afghanistan. He also highlighted Pakistan’s role in evacuation operations from Afghanistan. The Foreign Minister informed that Pakistan had so far facilitated over 90,000 evacuations. The urgent need was to avert a humanitarian crisis and economic meltdown in Afghanistan, which will adversely impact stability in the region and beyond. The two Foreign Ministers exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Qureshi briefed his German counterpart on the grave human rights violations being committed by India after its illegal, unilateral action of 5 August 2019.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock appreciated Pakistan’s assistance in its evacuation operations from Afghanistan and hoped for Pakistan’s continued support in this regard. Foreign Minister invited German Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan at the earliest convenience. He added that her visit would be helpful in preparing for the Prime Minister’s visit to Germany. Pakistan and Germany have maintained a good trajectory of bilateral relations and remain committed to further enhance our cooperation. The two countries celebrated 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations in 2021.