FM, Canadian minister discuss debt relief idea & bilateral ties

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Wednesday discussed the PM’s debt relief initiative, bilateral relations and the economic impact of the Covid-19 with Canadian Minister for International Development Karina Gould via video link.
The foreign minister said despite limited resources, Pakistan on one hand is fighting to stifle the spread of coronavirus and on the other providing financial assistance to millions of poor families affected by the pandemic.
Qureshi said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has proposed the debt relief for the developing countries keeping in view their poor economic situation.
He expressed satisfaction that the G-20 and other important forums have not only discussed the proposal but practical steps are also being taken towards that end.
He expressed the confidence that Canada being a vibrant and active member of G-7 and G-20 countries will take forward the proposal of debt relief.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi also apprised the Canadian minister of the dire human rights situation in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said the Hindutva mindset in India is putting at stake the regional peace and security. The foreign minister said the world should also take notice of the demonization of Muslims in India.
The Canadian minister hailed the debt relief proposal, saying coronavirus is a global challenge and her country stands by Pakistan in this difficult hour.
She said, “Apart from coronavirus, we will also extend cooperation to Pakistan for the eradication of poliovirus.” – TLTP