ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi shared deep concern over the continuing "double lockdown" as well as the intensification of military crackdown by Indian occupation forces and attempts to change the demographic structure of the occupied territory by introducing new domicile law in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, with Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan of Saudi Arabia in a telephonic conversation on Monday.

The foreign minister lauded the recent statements of the OIC and other international bodies, which showed serious concerns and urged urgent steps to address the situation in the IOJ&K.

The Saudi foreign minister reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's traditional support for the Kashmir issue.

During the conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Al Saud, matters of mutual interest, including the Covid-19 pandemic, enhanced bilateral cooperation, and situation in IOJ&K were discussed.

The foreign minister underscored that the fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were deep-rooted and multi-faceted, and the strategic relationship between the two countries was growing in myriad dimensions.

The foreign minister thanked for condolence messages issued by His Majesty the King and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia over the PIA plane crash.

Foreign Minister Qureshi offered condolences on the loss of precious lives in Saudi Arabia due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and highlighted the measures being taken by Pakistan to contain the virus, with a focus on saving lives and securing livelihoods.

The two foreign ministers exchanged views about the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic.

Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan expressed solidarity with Pakistan in its efforts to combat the outbreak.

The two foreign ministers agreed to remain in close contact to take forward the important bilateral agenda and close cooperation in various fields.