FM Qureshi. SCREENGRAB
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Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Friday confirmed that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would visit Pakistan on September 5 and termed Pak-US bilateral relations as important for the two countries.
“The importance of Pak-US ties is not lost on anyone. There have been ups and downs but it is a vital relationship.”
Qureshi reiterated Foreign Office's rebuttal of the US State Department's press release pertaining to the call between Prime Minister Imran Khan and Pompeo.
"As per my understanding, the statement issued by US State Dept was factually incorrect. I was in Multan when Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua called me regarding the matter. I told her to confirm the conversation and issue a rebuttal immediately. She was present during the phone call between PM Imran and Pompeo."
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The FM asserted that the conversation was "very good". "You will be surprised to know that Pompeo urged a productive bilateral relationship with Pakistan."
Reiterating that Afghanistan's stability was vital for Pakistan's stability, the foreign minister added Afghanistan is part of the country's relationship with the United States (US).
On Indo-Pak ties, Qureshi stressed on moving forward. “Pakistan is not shy of the dialogue process. PM Imran clearly said in his maiden speech that if India takes one step towards peace, Pakistan will reciprocate with two steps."
To the journalists, the foreign minister said Indian media helped their government in shaping narratives. “I request you all to help and guide us in building narratives too.”
Urging to present a united front to the world, the seasoned politician said the country needed peace. “Peace is our objective. Stability is our need. Economic development is our priority.”
During the press conference, the foreign minister also revealed that China's foreign minister would visit on Sept 8.
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The press conference comes hours after Prime Minister Imran Khan visited the Foreign Office where he was briefed on the country’s foreign policy towards India, Afghanistan, Iran, United States, China and Saudi Arabia in a meeting at the FO by Qureshi, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, FO Spokesperson Mohammad Faisal and other senior officials.
The FO also updated PM Imran on the current situation in occupied Kashmir and along the Line of Control (LOC) and the Working Boundary (WB).
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