Foreign Minister assures support to Palestinian counterpart

Islamabad: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi met with Palestinian Foreign Minister Dr. Riyad Al Maliki on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on 18 June 2021.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and underscored the importance of two-State solution based on pre-1967 borders under the relevant UNSC resolutions for sustainable peace in the region. He also expressed strong concerns on the latest Israeli strikes against Gaza after the recent ceasefire.

Foreign Minister Maliki briefed Foreign Minister Qureshi on the latest situation in Palestinian Occupied Territories. He also conveyed deep appreciation on behalf of the Palestinian President and people of Palestine to the Foreign Minister for proactively taking up the case of Palestine at the UN General Assembly during the recent Israeli aggression against Gaza.

Both Foreign Ministers exchanged views on rising Islamophobia and agreed on the need for evolving a joint strategy to counter discrimination against all religious faiths, particularly against Muslims.

Foreign Minister Qureshi also extended an invitation to Foreign Minister Maliki to visit Pakistan. Foreign Minister Maliki accepted the invitation and responded that he looked forward to visiting Pakistan in the near future.