Qureshi for enhanced int’l engagement with Afghanistan through constructive actions
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Italy have agreed to work closely to further strengthen bilateral relations in all spheres. The understanding came at a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio at Foreign Office here in Islamabad, said Foreign Office in a press statement.
According to details, delegation-level talks between the two countries took place at the Foreign Office here. The Pakistani delegation was led by Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi while the Italian delegation was led by his counterpart Luigi Di Maio. In the meeting, Foreign Minister Qureshi shared Pakistan’s perspective on the evolving situation in Afghanistan. Stressing the importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan for Pakistan and the region, he highlighted the country’s efforts for regional peace, security and stability.
He emphasized the importance of stabilizing the security situation in Afghanistan, preserving the peace, and preventing any mass exodus of Afghans as refugees. In the bilateral context, Foreign Minister Qureshi underlined the importance Pakistan attached to its relationship with Italy and affirmed the desire to further expand mutual cooperation in all fields. Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio thanked Pakistan for supporting Italy’s evacuation efforts and also noted the important role of Pakistan in support of efforts for regional peace and stability. He also expressed Italy’s resolve to strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse sectors including trade, investments, energy, higher education and people-to-people exchanges.
The Foreign Minister also apprised the visiting Foreign Minister of his interactions with the leadership of the immediate neighbouring states of Afghanistan and efforts to evolve a coordinated approach. Noting Pakistan’s facilitation of evacuation operations, the Foreign Minister reiterated support for Italy’s endeavours. In the bilateral context, Foreign Minister Qureshi underlined the importance Pakistan attached to its relationship with Italy and affirmed the desire to further expand mutual cooperation in all fields. The Foreign Minister also expressed satisfaction at close cooperation between the two countries at the multilateral fora, including the EU and the UN.
The Foreign Minister invited the Italian Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan for the Second Ministerial Review under the Strategic Engagement Plan. Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio thanked Pakistan for supporting Italy’s evacuation efforts and also noted the important role of Pakistan in support of efforts for regional peace and stability. He also expressed Italy’s resolve to strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse sectors including trade, investments, energy, higher education and people-to-people exchanges.
Italy is home to one of the largest Pakistani Diasporas in Europe. The two countries closely collaborate bilaterally, in the context of EU, and at the United Nations, especially on the issue of UN Security Council reforms Earlier, Minister for Foreign Affairs Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi Monday held a meeting with Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and exchanged views on political and governmental affairs. The Chief Minister informed the Foreign Minister about the ongoing development schemes in different areas of Punjab. The minister appreciated the performance of the Punjab government led by the Chief Minister. Qureshi said progress and stability was top priority of the government.