F.P. Report
NEW YORK: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has warned of potential mass exodus from Afghanistan in the coming winter which could be exploited by the terrorists and extremists, on Tuesday.
In a string of meetings with world leaders including US Special Representative for Afghanistan in New York, Bilawal cited warnings issued by the United Nations and other world agencies that the situation may take an ugly turn in Afghanistan in winter.
He said such a scenario may trigger adverse effects at regional as well as at international level. He stressed that a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan is a priority for Pakistan.
Talking to the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West, Bilawal emphasized the significance of continuing international engagement with the interim Afghan government for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan and beyond.
The US Special Representative appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan and in facilitation of evacuations.
The two sides acknowledged the need for continued cooperation on the shared objectives of sustained efforts and engagement of the international community to alleviate sufferings of the Afghan people and promote regional peace and stability.
Pakistan, China reaffirm their commitment to further deepen strategic cooperation
Bilawal Bhutto also met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Both had a comprehensive exchange of views on the entire spectrum of bilateral partnership and multilateral cooperation, including at the United Nations.
The Foreign Minister conveyed profound gratitude to the Chinese leadership, government and people for China’s prompt support and robust assistance to Pakistan in the wake of catastrophic floods.
Recalling the summit meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Xi Jinping in Samarkand on Thursday, the two Foreign Ministers reaffirmed full commitment to further deepening of strategic cooperation, extending strong support for each other’s core interests and major concerns. They also expressed resolve to enhance economic engagement, accelerate high-quality development of CPEC, and strengthen bilateral security cooperation.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto highlighted Pakistan’s close convergence with China on multilateral issues premised on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, multilateralism, free trade, and development.
Pakistan, Norway agree to further diversify cooperation: Pakistan and Norway have agreed to continue joint efforts to further strengthen and diversify cooperation particularly in trade, investment, development and other areas.
The understanding came at a meeting between Bilawal Bhutto and Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt in New York.
They underlined the importance of early conclusion of Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and European Free Trade Association.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari hoped that more Norwegian companies would benefit from Pakistan’s attractive investment policy.
He underlined the importance of enhancing legal migration opportunities for Pakistanis.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also underscored the need for peaceful resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions.
