FM Qureshi expresses concerns regarding escalating fuel, food costs

• FM Qureshi exchanges views on the regional and global situation with Chinese FM Wang Yi.
• Yi conveys his condolences on loss of precious lives in Peshawar attack.
• Qureshi expresses hope that talks between Russia and Ukraine would succeed in finding a diplomatic solution.

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday expressed concerns over the adverse economic consequences for developing countries resulting from escalating fuel and food costs and disruption of supply chains.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qureshi spoke to his Chinese counterpart and State Councilor Wang Yi.

The two ministers discussed bilateral ties and exchanged views on the regional and global situation.

During their conversation, Yi conveyed his condolences on the loss of precious lives in the cowardly terrorist attack in Peshawar and sympathies with the families of the victims.

He underlined that the terrorist act was an attack on the peace-loving people of Pakistan who had rendered tremendous sacrifices to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from Pakistan.

CPEC and other projects

Qureshi shared the resolve of the government in continuing its unrelenting counter-terrorism efforts and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Recalling the successful visit of the Prime Minister to China in which various important decisions were taken to advance bilateral practical cooperation, Qureshi stressed the importance of close coordination between the two sides for the early realisation of agreed ventures and projects.

He expressed satisfaction with the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and accelerating industrial relocation and investments to Pakistan.

Talks on Russia-Ukraine conflict

Reiterating Pakistan's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Qureshi conveyed concern at the situation in Ukraine and underscored the need for a diplomatic solution following the relevant multilateral agreements, international law and provisions of the UN Charter.

He apprised Yi of his outreach to the foreign ministers of Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Russia and the European Union. "Maintaining the principled position based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, Pakistan had called for de-escalation and resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy," the statement read.

According to the ministry, Qureshi expressed hope that the talks between Russia and Ukraine would succeed in finding a diplomatic solution.

The two ministers discussed the continued efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan and emphasised the need for the international community to sustain humanitarian assistance for the Afghan people.