Islamabad: Pakistan is prepared to support peace initiatives for long-term stability in the region, according to Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who has emphasised the need of peaceful resolution of disputes and conflicts via dialogue and contacts.
On Thursday, he and his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba spoke at a joint news conference in Islamabad. He stated that as a nation in a hazardous region, we realise how protracted regional conflicts might harm our common security. According to him, Pakistan is not an exception to the hardships that the Ukrainian War has brought to developing nations around the world, particularly in terms of shortages of food, fuel, and fertiliser. He claimed that Pakistan has a strong interest in fostering peace, reconciliation, and the diplomatic and peaceful resolution of issues.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who arrived in Islamabad earlier today on A two-day official visit, on Thursday denied media reports claiming that Pakistan was supplying arms to Kyiv amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Kuleba said there is no arms supply agreement between Pakistan and Ukraine.
He also thanked Pakistan for supporting Ukraine’s stance on its sovereignty and security.
The Ukrainian FM also expressed interest in boosting trade and economic ties saying that the country is looking forward to hold the inaugural meeting of a Pakistan-Ukraine commission on economic cooperation.
Ukraine considers Pakistan a good partner and is ready to work in the area of food security, he added.
Foreign Minister Bilawal particularly appreciated the Ukrainian Government for its principle stance in supporting the resolution on countering religious hatred, consistent incitements to discrimination, hostilities and violence at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. He expressed the confidence that our joint efforts to strengthen bilateral relationship will be beneficial for the people of both the countries. He said we resolve to move forward in fostering cooperation and friendship between the people of Pakistan and Ukraine.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari further said we aspire to build mutually beneficial relationship that contributes to the prosperity and wellbeing of our nations. He said we agreed on the importance of regular dialogue and engagement to further strengthen our bilateral ties. It was also agreed to hold meeting of various institutional mechanisms in due course.
Talking about the situation in Ukraine, the Pakistan Foreign Minister expressed a deep concern and offered Islamabad’s condolences on loss of precious lives and immense human sufferings. He said despite our own economic challenges, Pakistan has sent humanitarian assistance as a gesture of solidarity with the people. He said Pakistan believes that prolonged conflict brings immense hardships and sufferings to civilian population. He hoped that peace will prevail so that the people of Ukraine and Russia can enjoy peace dividends.
Speaking on the occasion, Ukrainian Foreign Minister said we are thinking of boosting trade and solving existing problems of Pakistani students studying in Ukraine. He said Ukraine can offer digitalization of state services to make government more convenient to engage with its own citizens. He said we will be looking forward to hold the inaugural meeting of a Pakistan-Ukraine commission on economic cooperation. He said Ukraine considers Pakistan a good partner and is ready to work in the area of food security.
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister also thanked Pakistan’s humanitarian assistance for the people of Pakistan.
