Daily Times

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday held a telephonic conversation with President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, and highlighted exceptional challenge faced by developing countries to save lives from COVID-19 as well fighting poverty and hunger.

In this context, the prime minister highlighted his call for “Global Initiative for Debt Relief” for developing countries. President Buhari expressed support for the initiative.

The two leaders agreed that both sides would work closely in New York alongside the UN Secretary-General and other interested countries and partners to advance the shared goals.

While noting encouraging response from the UN, IMF, the World Bank and other stakeholders, the prime minister underscored the need for additional measures and resources imperative for regenerating growth and livelihoods.

The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest including the unprecedented socio-economic challenges arising out of the coronavirus pandemic. They agreed that Pakistan and Nigeria faced similar circumstances.

The prime minister conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Government and people of Nigeria, and commended their effective measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The prime minister also highlighted the steps taken to contain the spread of coronavirus in Pakistan.

Expressing satisfaction at the current level of cooperation, the prime minister reiterated his commitment to further deepen bilateral relations with Nigeria, particularly in the trade and economic domains, in the context of Pakistan’s “Engage Africa” Initiative.

Prime Minister Imran Khan also extended a cordial invitation to President Buhari to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasir Al-Muhammad Al Sabah. The COVID-19 pandemic and other issues of mutual interest were discussed.

Foreign Minister Qureshi lauded the timely and pro-active measures taken by the Kuwaiti government to control the spread of the pandemic. He also briefed Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmad on the latest situation in Pakistan and the steps taken by the Government to contain the virus. The Foreign Minister underscored that the pandemic was one of the greatest challenges to confront humanity in the century.

While emphasizing the importance of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s call for Global Initiative for Debt Relief for developing countries, Foreign Minister Qureshi underlined the need for closer cooperation to mitigate the impact of the economic slowdown and devote more resources to manage the on-going crisis.

The Foreign Minister expressed concerns over threats of increase in spread of pandemic in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K) due to continuous restrictions on communications and lack of unfettered access to medical services and essential supplies. He also expressed concern over the campaign to demonize Indian Muslims in the context of COVID-19. In this regard, the Foreign Minister also lauded the call from Kuwait to the OIC to play its role.

Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmad appreciated the efforts of the government of Pakistan in combating the challenges posed by coronavirus. He extended Kuwait’s support for Prime Minister Imran Khan’s initiative for debt relief. He also underscored the importance of the enhanced bilateral collaboration in the key sectors of health, food security and energy. Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmad further emphasized the importance of long-term strategic vision for Kuwait-Pakistan relations.

Foreign Minister Qureshi extended a cordial invitation to his counterpart to visit Pakistan. The two sides agreed to stay closely engaged on all matters of mutual interest.