FM Qureshi discusses impact of Covid-19 pandemic with Omani counterpart

Omani government extends support to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s initiative on debt relief, says FO

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Omani counterpart Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah held a telephonic conversation on Tuesday and discussed Covid-19 pandemic.

"Foreign Minister Qureshi appreciated effective measures being taken by Oman to control the spread of the disease," the Foreign Office said in a statement.

He briefed the Omani foreign minister about the latest situation in Pakistan as well as the steps being taken by the government to cope with the challenges amid outbreak of the novel coronavirus, the communique added.

Currently, the tally of Covid-19 patients in Pakistan has surpassed 22,000. The virus has claimed more than 500 lives while at least 5,782 coronavirus patients have recovered.

According to the official statement, the foreign minister also expressed gratitude for repatriation of Pakistani nationals from Oman.

"While underscoring importance of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s call for Global Initiative for Debt Relief for developing countries, Foreign Minister Qureshi reiterated the need for close cooperation to mitigate the impact of the economic slowdown and devote more resources to manage the crisis."



He also highlighted the impending locust attack in the Middle East and South Asia and emphasised the need for coordinated response to maintain collective food security.

FM Qureshi expressed concerns over spread of Covid-19 in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir due to continued restrictions on movement and lack of unfettered access to medical and other essential supplies.

He also noted the campaign to demonise Indian Muslims in the context of Covid-19 spread, emphasising that "it should be rejected by the international community".

The Omani foreign minister lauded the efforts of the government of Pakistan in combating the pandemic and extended his government’s support to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s initiative on debt relief.

The two foreign ministers agreed to remain engaged.