NZ asked for ‘critical info’ leading to tour cancellation

Foreign Minister Qureshi holds video call with New Zealand counterpart

ISLAMABAD:

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday conveyed to his New Zealand counterpart Nanaia Mahuta to share the ‘critical information’ which led to the New Zealand Cricket Board's (NZCB) last-minute decision to cancel the Pakistan tour.

During a video call with the New Zealand foreign minister, Qureshi said, "On NZCB’s last-minute decision to cancel the Pakistan tour, Pakistan expects New Zealand to share what led to the decision.”

The foreign minister expressed that the NZCB decision disappointed millions of cricket lovers.

He also suggested the cricket board to reconsider their decision and indicate another opportunity for the Pakistan tour.

During the video call, the two foreign ministers discussed an entire range of issues, concerning bilateral relations and regional cooperation, according to a foreign office press release.

Read FM Qureshi urges int'l community to provide economic assistance to Afghanistan

Appreciating the steady progress in multi-dimensional bilateral relations over the years based on mutual trust and understanding, Foreign Minister Qureshi renewed a strong desire and commitment to consolidate and further enhance cooperation in diverse fields in line with shared objectives of peace and development.

Both sides agreed to further enhance bilateral cooperation in Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) domains.

Qureshi reiterated Pakistan's high-level political commitment to bring Pakistan's AML/CFT regime to international standards and highlighted the sustained efforts made including unprecedented actions taken by Pakistan in this area during the last three years.

He also shed light on the ongoing gross human rights violations, committed by Indian Security Forces in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and underscored the need for the international community to help address the serious situation and facilitate a peaceful resolution of the IIOJK dispute.

The foreign minister briefed his counterpart on Pakistan's constructive role in support of efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

He underscored the importance of an inclusive political settlement, need for the international community to positively engage with Afghanistan and provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance.
The New Zealand Foreign Minister Mahuta conveyed profound gratitude for Pakistan's facilitative role in safe evacuation of their nationals and others from Afghanistan.

Expressing satisfaction at the current level of engagement, the two foreign ministers agreed on further enhancing high-level interactions.

FM Mahuta invited FM Qureshi to visit New Zealand at the earliest opportunity.