ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has exchanged views on socio-economic ramifications of the COVID-19 epidemic with Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Friday.
According to FO statement, during the telephonic conversation, FM Qureshi briefed Motegi about PM Imran Khan’s “Global Initiative on Debt Relief” for developing countries underscoring that without immediate, coordinated and comprehensive actions to create fiscal space, the developing world may have to contend with dire social, political and economic consequences.
FM Qureshi also thanked his Japanese counterpart for their support to Pakistan to combat the COVID-19 as well as in dealing with the desert locust attack.
He also offered condolences over the loss of precious lives and commended the effective steps being taken by Japan to contain the outbreak, according to a press release. The top-diplomats assured each other of supporting their respective stranded citizens in every possible manner.
Qureshi also apprised his Japanese counterpart about the human rights violations in Indian-Occupied Kashmir (IOK) which were continuing unabated whereas concerns had intensified about the spread of the infection due to restrictions on information dissemination and unfettered access to medical and other essential supplies.
“There were also concerns about the demonisation of Indian Muslims in the context of coronavirus and growing Islamophobia,” FO said in the statement.
Both diplomats expressed commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations and agreed to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Pakistan-Japan diplomatic relations in 2022 in a befitting manner.
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