Fighting COVID-19: Qureshi briefs Zarif on Pakistan’s efforts to help lift sanctions against Iran

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday briefed Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach to help lift the sanctions against the country so it could fight the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a press release issued by the Foreign Office, Qureshi in a telephonic conversation with Zarif reiterated the earlier call made by Prime Minister Imran Khan to lift sanctions against Iran so it may utilise its resources to save precious human lives.

In the conversation, Qureshi also conveyed his deep concern and sorrow over the loss of lives in the ongoing pandemic. The foreign minister also commended the Iranian government and the people for valiantly combating the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Also read: Lift sanctions against Iran till coronavirus pandemic is over: PM Imran appeals to Trump

Pakistan's top diplomat told his Iranian counterpart that the pandemic was one of the greatest challenges to confront humanity in a century. "Successfully overcoming it necessitated both compassion and innovation," Qureshi told Zarif. He also apprised his Iranian counterpart of Pakistan’s efforts to contain the pandemic.

Zarif appreciated Pakistan’s reaffirmation of support and solidarity and call to lift sanctions on Iran. He also informed the Pakistani foreign minister that under the instructions of Iran President Hassan Rouhani, two hospitals have been allocated for pilgrims from Pakistan and other countries.

The two foreign ministers underlined that Pakistan and Iran were not only close neighbours but brotherly countries,that had stood by each other through difficult times. The two leaders agreed to stay in close contact.

Call with Nepali counterpart

Qureshi also had a telephone conversation with his Nepali counterpart Pradeep Kumar Gyawali and held detailed discussions on the situation arising from the spread of Covid-19. The two discussed ways to enhance cooperation to combat the threat posed by the pandemic.

According to the FO, the two leaders also addressed the challenges faced by regional states to fight the pandemic.

Also read: FM Qureshi echoes PM Imran's demand to lift Iran sanctions

Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to host the SAARC Health Ministers’ Conference and suggested that a video conference be organised due to the prevailing global health emergency.

Foreign Minister Qureshi stated that Pakistan considered SAARC an important platform for regional cooperation. He also appreciated Nepal’s leadership role in steering the SAARC process forward despite the many odds.

The two ministers agreed on the need to work closely to collectively fight common challenges.