FM Qureshi discusses debt relief with Japanese counterpart

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday exchanged views on socio-economic ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic with Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

During the telephonic conversation, FM Qureshi briefed Motegi about Prime Minister 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 offered condolences over the loss of precious lives and commended the effective measures being taken by Japan to contain the outbreak, according to a press release issued by Foreign Office (FO).

The foreign minister also thanked his Japanese counterpart for their assistance to Pakistan to combat the coronavirus as well as in dealing with the desert locust attack.

The top-diplomats assured each other of assisting their respective stranded citizens in every possible manner.

The foreign minister 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 Covid-19 and growing Islamophobia,” FO said.

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.