ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday called Iran and Nepal’s foreign minister separately to discuss the situation arising out of coronavirus pandemic and measures to eradicate it.
In a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif, Qureshi apprised him of Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach for lifting sanctions against Iran. The foreign minister reiterated the earlier call made by Prime Minister Imran Khan to lift sanctions against Iran, to enable it to utilize its resources to save precious human lives, said a press release.
Conveying deep concern and sorrow over the tragic loss of innocent lives in the ongoing pandemic, the foreign minister commended the government and people of Iran for valiantly combating the COVID-19 global pandemic.
He underscored that the pandemic was one of the greatest challenges to confront humanity in a century. Successfully overcoming it necessitated both compassion and innovation, he added.
He apprised his Iranian counterpart of Pakistan’s efforts to contain the pandemic.
Both the foreign ministers discussed the prospects of enhanced bilateral cooperation and coordination at the border in the context of the ongoing pandemic.
Foreign Minister Javad Zarif appreciated Pakistan’s reaffirmation of support and solidarity and call to lift sanctions on Iran, in view of COVID-19.
He informed the Foreign Minister Qureshi that under President Hassan Rouhani’s instructions, two hospitals had been allocated for foreign pilgrims from Pakistan and other countries.
The two foreign ministers underlined that Pakistan and Iran were not only close neighbours but brotherly countries, that had stood by each other through difficult times. The two leaders agreed to stay in close contact.
QURESHI TALKS TO NEPAL FM:
Qureshi also held a telephonic conversation with his Nepali counterpart Pradeep Kumar Gyawali and discussed the situation arising from the rapid spread of COVID-19, and ways to enhance cooperation to combat the threat.
He reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to host the SAARC Health Ministers’ Conference and suggested that a video conference could be organized due to the prevailing global health emergency.
Qureshi said Pakistan considered SAARC an important platform for regional cooperation and appreciated Nepal’s leadership role as chair in steering the SAARC process forward despite the many odds.
Both the sides discussed the challenges faced by regional states and the need for joint efforts.
The two ministers agreed on the need to work closely to promote collective endeavours to fight common challenges.
Qureshi said Pakistan had proposed that sanctions on Iran be lifted so that humanitarian relief could be provided at this time of crisis to save precious human lives.
He said Prime Minister Imran Khan had also proposed that developed countries might facilitate developing countries to meet the challenge through debt restructuring so that they could use limited resources to mitigate the effects of this pandemic on their economies and provide effective relief to poor people.
The foreign minister of Nepal appreciated the proposal and also expressed concerns on the humanitarian crisis in Iran.
Foreign Ministers Qureshi and Gayawali further noted that the ongoing year marked the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Nepal. They reiterated mutual commitment to further strengthening bonds of friendship between the two countries, bilaterally as well as through regional and international forums.
