FM Qureshi leaves for Turkey to participate in diplomacy forum

Minister will highlight Pakistan's vision on regional cooperation, economic development, connectivity

ISLAMABAD:

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi left for Turkey on Thursday to participate in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum beginning today.

The theme of the forum is "Innovative Diplomacy: New Era, New Approaches", Radio Pakistan reported.

FM Qureshi will participate in a panel discussion titled "Regional Cooperation in Asia" along with other counterparts from the region.

During the discussion, he will highlight the country's vision for regional cooperation, economic development and connectivity.

On the sidelines of the forum, Qureshi will hold meetings with his counterparts as well as key regional and international partners.

This is the minister's second visit to Ankara in almost a month. On May 18, Qureshi met his Turkish counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu in Ankara and discussed ways to stop Israeli atrocities in Palestine.

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The two foreign ministers discussed ways to mobilise the international community to help stop Israeli aggression against the Palestinians.

It was reaffirmed that the international community has a collective responsibility in ensuring necessary steps to help address the dire situation, restore peace and facilitate a just solution, the communiqué added.

Qureshi apprised his Turkish counterpart of the sentiment prevailing in Pakistan in support of the people of Palestine including the resolution unanimously adopted by the National Assembly.

While taking stock of the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, the two sides discussed the ongoing preparations for the 7th Session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) that will be held in Turkey this year.

Foreign Minister Qureshi also reiterated appreciation for Turkey’s principled and steadfast support on the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Underscoring Pakistan’s abiding interest in a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan, he illustrated Pakistan’s consistent efforts to facilitate the Afghan peace process.