NEW YORK: Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met his counterparts of Ireland and Norway on the sidelines of the 76th UN General Assembly session in New York.
Qureshi met Foreign Minister of Ireland Simon Coveney and exchanged views on the latest developments in Afghanistan, bilateral relations, as well as cooperation in the UN. He stated that Pakistan values its relations with Ireland bilaterally as well as in the context of the UN and the EU.
Foreign Minister Qureshi congratulated Foreign Minister Coveney on the successful conduct of Ireland’s Presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of September. He expressed appreciation for Ireland’s open and inclusive approach that was displayed in the invitation to Pakistan to address the UNSC on the situation in Afghanistan earlier this month.
The foreign minister stressed that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was of utmost importance for Pakistan and for peace in the region. He underscored that it was essential for the international community to stay engaged with positive messaging and constructive steps to avert humanitarian and economic crises in Afghanistan.
He also apprised his Irish counterpart regarding Pakistan’s facilitation in the evacuation of over 14,000 people belonging to 30 different countries and international organizations.
Noting that the large Pakistani diaspora in Ireland was a strong bridge between the two countries, the foreign minister highlighted the importance of regular engagement to boost bilateral ties between the two countries.
He also pointed out the need to hold the next round of Bilateral Political Consultations at the earliest. Both sides agreed to remain engaged on regional issues and to consult closely with regard to the UN Security Council’s deliberations on Afghanistan.
Constructive meeting with FM #IneEriksenSoredie & shared Pakistan’s congratulations for Norway’s membership of the UNSC. ???????? ???????? relationship is anchored by our strong diaspora, who serve as a bridge between our two countries. We look forward to further building on our association. pic.twitter.com/vA0ZxZiLb7
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) September 22, 2021
In another meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway Ms Ine Eriksen Soreide, the foreign minister underscored the importance of continued and positive engagement of the international community with Afghanistan, in order to promote lasting peace and stability and to address the grave humanitarian situation in the country.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s role in supporting the UN’s ongoing humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan, in addition to facilitating the evacuation and relocation of the UN and international staff as well as foreign diplomats and nationals belonging to a number of countries.
A comprehensive dossier documenting India’s gross, systematic and widespread violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in IIOJK, including India’s illegal attempts to change the demographic structure of the occupied territory in contravention of UN Security Council resolutions, was transmitted to the Norwegian side.
The close bilateral relations between Pakistan and Norway were also discussed with a shared commitment by both sides to further enhance mutual cooperation. The foreign minister underscored the need for increased collaboration in political, economic, clean energy, and other areas of mutual interest between the two countries.
