ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Spain have agreed to further increase the frequency of bilateral political exchanges at various levels with a view to enhance bilateral relations and mutual cooperation.
Foreign Office said Wednesday that Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood and Spanish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Cristina Gallach held a video conference and exchanged views on a broad range of subjects including response to Covid-19 pandemic, bilateral relations, close cooperation in multilateral fora, and regional situation.
It stated that the Foreign Secretary extended condolences over the loss of precious lives in Spain due to Covid-19 and commended Spain's efforts to contain the virus and steps to revive the economy.
It stated that Mahmood briefed his Spanish counterpart on the measures being taken by the government of Pakistan, with central focus on saving lives, securing livelihoods, and stimulating the economy.
The two sides exchanged views about the socio-economic effects of the pandemic. The Foreign Secretary apprised his Spanish counterpart of Prime Minister Imran Khan's domestic stimulus package as well as his call for "Global Initiative on Debt Relief" for developing countries. The Foreign Secretary expressed appreciation for Spain's support for the initiative both in EU and G20.
The Foreign Secretary highlighted Pakistan's concern on temporary suspension of PIA flights into EU as follow up to EASA's recent decision and called for its review. He underlined that all necessary steps were being taken by the government to ensure the highest level of flight safety in PIA operations. PIA remained committed to maintaining the highest standards and quality in its operations, it added.
The two sides also discussed bilateral trade and economic ties, it stated, adding that the Foreign Secretary conveyed appreciation for Spain's support for GSP Plus for Pakistan and also underlined the hope that concerted efforts would be made to safeguard Pakistan-Spain bilateral trade against the challenges posed by Covid-19 in the shortest possible time.
The Foreign Secretary shared Pakistan's perspective on the grave human rights and humanitarian situation in Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IOJ&K), moves to change demographic structure of occupied territory in violation of international law, and threat to peace and security in the face of intensified ceasefire violations on the LoC and belligerent actions from the Indian side.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020