Qureshi, German FM discuss regional issues

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany Annalena Baerbock on Monday exchanged views on the bilateral relations besides important regional issues.

Foreign Minister Qureshi, during a telephonic call, said Germany was a valued, longstanding partner of Pakistan. Pakistan was committed to cement bilateral relations in all dimensions, particularly in the fields of trade and investment, energy, climate change, radicalization etc, he added.

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, said a news release issued by Foreign Office spokesperson.

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 would adversely impact stability in the region and beyond, he stressed.

The two foreign ministers exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine. Foreign minister Qureshi also briefed his German counterpart on the grave human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K), being committed by India after its illegal, unilateral action of August 5, 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. The foreign minister invited the German foreign minister to visit Pakistan at the earliest convenience.