ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a telephonic conversation with the British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Wednesday, and discussed a wide range of regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest.
In a statement, the Foreign Office said that Shah Mahmood Qureshi briefed the British foreign secretary on the evolving security situation of the region and shared Pakistan’s concerns with regard to the latest developments in the Middle East/Gulf region, which carried serious implications for the peace and security as well as world economy.
The foreign minister emphasized the importance of maximum restraint and steps for de-escalation by all sides. He also apprised of Pakistan’s efforts to defuse tensions in the region through active diplomatic engagement with relevant parties.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi also highlighted grave human rights and humanitarian situation in Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IOJ&K), and urged UK to play its role in peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Qureshi briefed his British counterpart on Pakistan’s efforts in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
The foreign minister invited the British foreign secretary to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.
🇬🇧 and 🇵🇰 enjoy a strong relationship with plenty of shared interests. Today I had a good discussion with @SMQureshiPTI on shared concerns from Afghanistan and Kashmir to Iran.
— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) January 22, 2020
The British foreign secretary appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to support defusion of tensions and secure peace and security in the region. He also highlighted the positive trajectory of Pak-UK relations and expressed hope that these will continue to strengthen in the years ahead.
Both of them agreed to continue to work together to strengthen Pakistan-UK bilateral cooperation and to ensure peace and security of the region.
