Qureshi discusses bilateral matters with Dutch FM

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a telephonic conversation with his Dutch counterpart, Staphanus Abraham Blok and discussed with him matters of mutual interest, including the Covid-19 pandemic, bilateral relations, regional matters as well as cooperation at multilateral fora.

According to the Foreign Office, the two sides expressed satisfaction at the current state of bilateral relations and appreciated the continuity of regular mechanisms between the two sides, including Pakistan-Netherlands bilateral political consultations.

The two ministers exchanged views on the socio-economic ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic. Qureshi highlighted the government’s strategy of “smart lockdowns” to protect the lives and livelihood of the people, while maintaining economic growth.

Qureshi also appreciated the increasing interest of Dutch companies in Pakistan. He called on the Dutch side to take advantage of the lucrative investment policies being offered by Pakistan to further enhance trade and investment relations between the two countries.

Highlighting Pakistan’s priorities at the Human Rights Council, the foreign minister stated that Pakistan would continue to raise awareness regarding Islamophobia. Qureshi raised concerns about malicious disinformation campaigns being used to malign and discredit countries.

The two ministers also discussed the situation in Afghanistan in the context of recent positive developments. Qureshi reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, stressing the importance of inclusive and comprehensive political settlement in Afghanistan.

Qureshi shared deep concern over continuing military siege, communications blockade, fake encounters, and extrajudicial killings by Indian occupation forces in IIOJK. He underlined the need for the international community to take steps to address this grave situation and facilitate a peaceful solution.

The foreign minister reiterated that he was looking forward to welcoming the Dutch foreign minister in Islamabad once the Covid-19 pandemic subsided, the Foreign Office said in a statement.