Qureshi discusses Ukraine crisis with Belarusian counterpart

FM says Belarus has important role to press for diplomatic solution to Russia-Ukraine conflict

ISLAMABAD:

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held telephonic conversation with Belarusian counterpart Vladimir Makei on Tuesday and discussed matters of mutual interest including Ukraine crisis.

The two ministers discussed bilateral relations and cooperation in diverse areas including the situation in Ukraine, the foreign office said in a statement.

Reiterating Pakistan’s concerns, the foreign minister said that conflict was not in anyone’s interest, particularly developing countries which were hit the hardest economically. Qureshi apprised his Belarusian counterpart of Pakistan’s consistent emphasis on respect for international law and principles of the UN Charter, cessation of hostilities, establishment and maintenance of humanitarian corridors, provision of humanitarian assistance, and continuous efforts for a solution through dialogue and diplomacy.

Also read: Pak-Belarus consultations focus on bilateral relations

FM Qureshi said in Pakistan’s estimation, Belarus has an important role to press for a diplomatic solution with its interlocutors, as per the communiqué.

In this regard, the foreign minister expressed the hope that the talks being hosted by Belarus between Russia and Ukraine would yield a productive outcome.

He also apprised the Belarusian foreign minister that Pakistan had made assiduous efforts to ensure wellbeing of Pakistani citizens and in their evacuation from Ukraine. In this regard, Pakistan was grateful for the support extended by Ukraine and its neighbouring countries as most of the Pakistani community members had been safely evacuated.

The two ministers agreed to remain in close contact, read the statement.