Qureshi briefs German counterpart on Indian atrocities in IIOJK

Foreign minister also apprises Annalena Baerbock about Pakistan's role in Afghan evacuations over phone call

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany Annalena Baerbock exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as important regional issues over the phone on Monday.

Qureshi, during the conversation, said that Germany is a valued, longstanding partner of Pakistan.

He added that Islamabad is committed to further enhancing ties with Berlin in all dimensions, particularly in trade and investment, energy, climate change and radicalisation.

Discussing Afghanistan, FM Qureshi reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve in supporting the international community in its efforts to strengthen peace and stability in Afghanistan.

He also highlighted Pakistan’s role in evacuation operations from Afghanistan and informed his German counterpart that Islamabad has so far facilitated over 90,000 evacuations.

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The urgent need was to avert a humanitarian crisis and economic meltdown in Afghanistan, which would adversely impact stability in the region and beyond, he stressed.

Qureshi also briefed Baerbock on the grave human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), being committed in the held territory.

The German foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s assistance in its evacuation operations from Afghanistan and hoped for Pakistan’s continued support in this regard. The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine.

Qureshi invited Baerbock to visit Pakistan at the earliest convenience and congratulated her on assuming her office.

Pakistan and Germany have maintained a good trajectory of bilateral relations and remain committed to further enhancing cooperation. The two countries celebrated 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations in 2021.