Luxembourg FM calls for de-escalation in tensions between India, Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn on Thursday said "no one wants war between Pakistan and India" and offered that his country was ready to play a role as mediator for peace between the two nuclear rivals.

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg Asselborn, who is in Pakistan to promote bilateral trade between the two countries, addressed a joint press conference with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Islamabad.

Expressing concern over the recent escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama attack, Asselborn said Luxembourg desires peace and stability in the region and offered that his country was ready to mediate between the two countries.

"The European Union is playing its role in [de-escalating tensions] between Pakistan and India. Luxembourg is ready to mediate between [Pakistan and India]," the minister said.

"But our mediation potential is not strong enough to resolve the Kashmir issue," he added.

Asselborn lauded PM Imran's efforts for de-escalation in tensions with India, and thanked the premier for releasing captured Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman as a peace gesture.

The minister also praised Pakistan's role in the ongoing Afghan peace talks.

Addressing the conference, Foreign Minister Qureshi told reporters that a wide range of bilateral and regional issues were discussed during the meeting with his Luxembourg counterpart.

The matter of summit-level talks between Pakistan and the European Union was discussed, as well as steps being taken to reduce tensions with India, Qureshi said.

The dignitaries discussed a wide range of regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest, as well as the peace and security situation in the region.

The two also agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in multiple spheres.