Key Takeaways:
- Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari denies supplying weapons and ammunition to Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- The denial comes during a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Islamabad.
- Bilawal emphasizes Pakistan’s non-partisan position on the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
- The two foreign ministers discuss mutual cooperation, including trade, investment, agriculture, and digitization of state services.
- Pakistan expresses concern over the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and offers humanitarian assistance as a gesture of solidarity.
- Bilawal emphasizes Pakistan’s readiness to support peace initiatives and understanding the challenges of prolonged conflicts in a volatile region.
- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba looks forward to economic cooperation with Pakistan and strengthening bilateral ties.
- Delegation-level talks between Pakistan and Ukraine focus on diverse fields of cooperation.
- The visit is the first-ever ministerial visit from Ukraine since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1993.
- The Russia-Ukraine conflict remains a significant issue in the talks, with both sides acknowledging its importance.
Details
In a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari categorically denied supplying weapons and ammunition to Ukraine amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Bilawal emphasized that Pakistan maintains a non-partisan position on the matter.
The press conference, held in Islamabad, also focused on the history of close and cordial relations between Pakistan and Ukraine. The two countries have cooperated in various fields, including trade, investment, agriculture, and higher education. Bilawal expressed Pakistan’s willingness to further expand cooperation in all areas of mutual benefit, with trade and economic ties being priorities.
Regarding the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Bilawal expressed deep concern at the prevailing situation and offered condolences for the loss of precious lives and immense human suffering. He highlighted that Pakistan had sent humanitarian assistance as a gesture of solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
Furthermore, Bilawal emphasized the importance of peace in the region and Pakistan’s readiness to support peace initiatives. As a country in a volatile region, Pakistan understands the hardships caused by long-standing conflicts and the potential impact on collective security.
During the delegation-level talks between Pakistan and Ukraine, both sides discussed cooperation in diverse fields. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba expressed his country’s interest in economic cooperation with Pakistan, with a focus on boosting trade and digitizing state services.
Despite the Russia-Ukraine conflict being a significant issue in the talks, Pakistan has maintained its policy of “neutrality” in the matter. The visit by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is considered an essential step in further strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1993.
As the visit continues, the talks will be closely watched by Western capitals and Moscow due to the ongoing conflict. The issue of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is expected to remain a top priority in the discussions between the two countries.