Qureshi, Swaraj hold informal meeting on sidelines of SCO foreign ministers moot

BISHKEK: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday held an informal meeting with Indian Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj on the sidelines of the meeting of Foreign Ministers Council of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Speaking after the informal meeting, Qureshi said he cleared it to Swaraj that Pakistan wants resolution of all issues [with India] through consultation.

FM Qureshi seated next to Indian counterpart Swaraj during SCO meeting

Qureshi and Swaraj are attending the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organization

"Prime Minister Imran Khan had noted in his first speech that if India takes one step forward, we will take two steps," he noted, adding, "We are ready for a dialogue even today."

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders only exchanged pleasantries and there was no meeting between them. 

Indian opposition party Congress slammed Swaraj’s meeting Qureshi, stating that talks with Pakistan had begun since polls were over.

Congress’ chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted, “Election Over, Votes Garnered, Pulwama Martyrs Forgotten!” “Foreign Minister-level talks with Pakistan begin, business as usual!” he added.

Earlier, Qureshi was seated next to Swaraj during the meeting of SCO Council of Foreign Ministers.