ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Hassan Shoukry on Sunday held consultations and exchanged views and perspectives on a wide range of bilateral, regi­onal and international issues.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations and close cooperation at various regional and multilateral fora.

Foreign Minister Shoukry is visiting Pakistan for bilateral engagements and participation in the 48th session of the Organisation of Isla­mic Cooperation’s Cou­ncil of Foreign Minis­ters (CFM) being held in Islamabad on March 22-23, the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a press release.

Underscoring Pakistan’s shared bonds of common faith, cultural affinity and historically warm ties with Egypt, Foreign Minister Qureshi reaffirmed the des­ire to further deepen the multi-dimensional relationship between the two countries.

He highlighted the potential for increased cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, defence, tourism, agriculture and higher education.

The two foreign ministers concurred on the need to explore opportunities for such bilateral cooperation.

Mr Qureshi apprised Mr Shoukry of the ongoing human rights violations and illegal demographic changes in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He also briefed him on the recent so-called accidental firing of a missile by India into Pakistan’s territory.

The two foreign ministers also had a detailed exchange on the developments relating to Afghanistan.

Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2022