ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood has underlined the need for the International Community to play its part in defusion of tensions and peaceful resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute.
Talking to the British Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth Lord Tariq Ahmad on phone on September 8, 2020, the foreign secretary highlighted the grave situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), marked by egregious violations of human rights, illegal measures to change the demographic structure of the occupied territory, and the threat to peace and security posed by intensified ceasefire violations and India’s belligerent actions.
FS Sohail Mahmood held a video call with 🇬🇧 Minister of State for South Asia & the Commonwealth @tariqahmadbt on 8 Sept.
FS discussed bilateral cooperation & regional situation; highlighted the grave situation in #IIOJK & reiterated the invitation to visit 🇵🇰. @FCDOGovUK pic.twitter.com/Q0Ek36ogAt
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) September 9, 2020
During the telephonic conversation, the two sides exchanged views on matters relating to bilateral cooperation, regional situation, and multilateral issues including climate change and Commonwealth.
The foreign minister said that Pakistan and the UK enjoy close friendly ties based on historic linkages and shared perceptions on a broad range of regional and international issues.
The two sides discussed ways to further advance the mutual cooperation.
Bilaterally, the importance of frequent high-level exchanges, a closer trade, and economic partnership, and a stronger role of the diaspora in forging a robust bilateral relationship was emphasized.
The two sides also appreciated their close collaboration that resulted in the timely repatriation of stranded nationals due to COVID-19.
In the regional context, the foreign secretary shared Pakistan’s perspective on Afghanistan, reiterating Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Afghan peace process and underlining the need for the earliest commencement of Intra-Afghan negotiations.
Sohail Mahmood also underscored the importance of an inclusive, broad-based, and comprehensive political settlement for durable peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.
The foreign secretary reiterated the invitation to the British Minister of State to visit Pakistan at the earliest opportunity.
The two sides agreed to continue to work together to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all areas of common interest.
