–FM expresses Pakistani govt’s desire to revive relations with US in meeting with Mike Pompeo
NEW YORK: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has told United States (US) President Donald Trump that Islamabad desired a broad-based relationship of mutual trust and respect with Washington.
At a reception ahead of the annual gathering of United Nations (UN) heads of state on Monday night, the FM expressed his government’s desire to revive relations with the US.
Qureshi, who is leading Pakistan’s delegation to the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), also met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
The FM apprised him of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision for a peaceful neighbourhood, which, he said, was critical to achieve the government’s ambitious socio-economic plans for the country.
Qureshi also outlined Islamabad’s domestic and foreign policy priorities and said the support of Pakistani youth had played a major role in the election victory of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
PAK-JAPAN TIES:
Separately, Shah Mehmood Qureshi also met Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono on the sidelines of the UNGA session.
During the meeting, the two discussed avenues of multi-faceted cooperation between Pakistan and Japan, including cooperation in political, economic, trade, investment, development and educational spheres.
The two FMs expressed firm resolve to maintain the positive momentum and further increase the high-level interaction between the two friendly countries. They also expressed their commitment to the ideals of peace, democracy, freedom and rule of law.
They exchanged views on the evolving peace and security environment in their respective regions and on international issues of mutual interest. Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and secure Afghanistan and support for an Afghan-led and an Afghan-owned reconciliation process.
He also briefed Kono on Islamabad’s efforts to enhance regional connectivity and development, including through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He welcomed the prospect of Japanese investment in Pakistan and also invited Japanese investors to invest in Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Kono, at the occasion, appreciated the sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan in war on terror and stressed the need for a common relentless effort in the fight against elements of extremism.
