Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a telephonic conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba on Sunday and took up the important matter of evacuation of Pakistani community and students in Ukraine and their safe return to Pakistan.

Foreign Minister Qureshi shared Pakistan’s perspective in detail, reiterating serious concern at the situation, underscoring the importance of de-escalation, and stressing the indispensability of diplomacy.

He appreciated the role played by the Ukrainian authorities in the evacuation process and asked for continued facilitation and smooth border crossing at the earliest possible.

The Foreign Minister noted that Prime Minister Imran Khan in his recent visit to Moscow regretted the latest situation between Russia and Ukraine and said that Pakistan had hoped diplomacy could avert a military conflict. He stressed that conflict is not in anyone’s interest, and that the developing countries are always hit the hardest economically, in case of conflict.

The Foreign Minister underlined Pakistan’s belief that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

He appreciated the role played by the Ukrainian authorities in the evacuation process and asked for continued facilitation and smooth border crossing at the earliest possible.

The two Foreign Ministers agreed to remain in contact.

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi also received a telephone call from UK Minister of State Lord Tariq Ahmad on Sunday.

The two sides exchanged views on Pakistan-UK relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi reiterated the importance Pakistan attaches to its good relations and close cooperation with the UK and other European partners.

On the developments in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Qureshi emphasized that diplomacy and a peaceful solution are indispensable. He emphasised on sustained engagement through diplomacy and dialogue.

Source: Radio Pakistan