FM Qureshi says cancellation of agreed meeting by India is beyond comprehension

Addressing a press conference in Washington, Foreign Minister  said that he wanted  to meet  his Indian counterpart to improve  relations between the two countries, adding that  Indian external affairs ministry gave dismal response to Pakistan's dialogue offer. Dialogue builds trust, he added.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that  Pakistan would will continue its efforts to promote peace in the region despite India’s reluctance.

Earlier,  Prime Minister Imran Khan  lashed out at India's decision to cancel talks between the two countries at next week's United Nations General Assembly, calling the reversal "arrogant" and "negative".

To a question, Qureshi said that Saudi visit remained fruitful, adding that he would have sideline meeting  with Crown Prince  of KSA in  New York.

The minister  told media that UAE foreign Minister will visit Pakistan Soon, Qureshi also shared  that he discussed bilateral ties with Iranian FM.

The minister added that Pakistan had not demanded financial assistance from Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates rather Islamabad sought investment in different sectors.

Talking to reporters here on Sunday, the minister said that relations with Saudi Arabia and the UAE had been cold as there had been no high-level contacts over the years. However, ties improved with both the brotherly countries after Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit.

Talking to the Washington-based Pakistani journalists, Qureshi said Pakistan desires to advance close relations with both the United States (US) and China, adding that  "both relations are very important."

“China is important for Pakistan. And the United States is also important. We will engage with both,” he said.

He underscored that PM Imran Khan-led administration is committed to safeguarding the country’s national interests.

FM Qureshi also said that Islamabad wants peace and security in Afghanistan since it is in the country’s own interests. Pakistan, he said, will use “whatever influence” it has to push forward Afghan reconciliation talks.

It is learnt that Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi is set to meet his American counterpart, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, on October 2.

Qureshi will head to New York on Monday to attend the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) which opened on September 18 where he will lead Pakistan’s delegation.

He will have around 40 engagements, including over 20 bilateral meetings with his counterparts from different countries. Qureshi will address to the UNGA on September 29.

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janhua is accompanying the minister in his visit during which he would also hold meetings with foreign ministers of several countries.