FM Qureshi hails positive developments in Gulf

Just days after rapprochement between Qatar and other Gulf countries, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke to the Saudi and Qatari foreign ministers, congratulating them for resolving the dispute through talks.

Saudi Arabia along with other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries had imposed a land, air and sea blockade on Qatar in 2017, accusing the tiny state for sponsoring terrorist organisations and backing Iran. Doha always denied the charges. Kuwait and Oman have played a key role in breaking the deal between Qatar and other GCC countries.

A statement issued by the Foreign Office said that Foreign Minister Qureshi held a telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and congratulated him on holding a successful GCC summit in Al-Ula on January 5, 2021.

Qureshi, as per the statement, appreciated the positive role played by Saudi Arabia in the resolution of outstanding issues among the members of the GCC. He hoped that the “spirit of cooperation exhibited at the GCC-Summit in Al-Ula will promote confidence and cooperation among the GCC countries and will also contribute towards enhanced regional peace, security and development”.

The foreign minister thanked Saudi Arabia for its support during the 47th session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Niamey, in November 2020, in particular for the adoption of OIC resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir dispute and combating Islamophobia.

The two foreign ministers discussed ways to further deepen and expand bilateral relations and collaborate closely in multilateral organisations. They also agreed to continue mutual consultations on regional and global issues of common interest. Qureshi said he looked forward to receiving the Saudi foreign minister in Islamabad, at an early date.

Qureshi also held a telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. He appreciated the positive developments that led to a successful GCC summit and hoped that the spirit of cooperation in the GCC summit will augur well for enhanced confidence and cooperation among the countries of the organisation.

Qureshi acknowledged the constructive and supportive role played by Qatar towards Afghan peace process. The two foreign ministers discussed ways to strengthen and diversify bilateral relations and enhance collaboration in multilateral organisations. The two foreign ministers agreed to continue engaging on regional and global issues and working to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Separately, Qureshi received a telephone call from foreign minister of Bahrain Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. Qureshi congratulated Al Zayani on the successful GCC summit, and appreciated the positive steps taken by all the members that led to successful resolution of outstanding issues.

The two foreign ministers discussed ways to strengthen and diversify bilateral relations and enhance collaboration in multilateral organizations, in particular the OIC and the United Nations. Qureshi thanked Bahrain for its support during the Niamey session.