- Says tensions in Middle East can affect Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, November 7: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to China remained very successful.
Addressing the upper house of the parliament Wednesday on motions moved by leader of Opposition Senator Raja Muhamad Zafar-ul-Haque, he said the nation is united on CPEC and the government will complete all ongoing projects under this corridor.
He said delegates from 130 countries attended the Shanghai Expo and the Prime Minister was one of the seven prominent world leaders who were invited for Keynote Address on this occasion. He said Pakistan Pavilion was one of the eight pavilions which were visited by the world leaders. He said fifteen agreements and MoUs have been signed between the two countries regarding Human development, Education, Health, Skill development, poverty alleviation, Agriculture and Industrial development.
Foreign Minister said Pakistan enjoys close brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia which will be further strengthened after the recent visits of Prime Minister Imran Khan to the Kingdom. He said Saudi Arabia agreed to place three billion dollars in State Bank of Pakistan to help it overcome its balance of payment crises.
The Minister said Prime Minister Imran Khan has offered to play a mediatory role to resolve the Yemen conflict and his initiative has been welcomed by all the parties concerned.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi has also stated that Saudis had awarded bailout package without any condition. He warned members of both treasury and opposition benches that tensions in Middle East could affect Islamabad. “It is because of Pakistan’s decision to remain neutral that it got encouragement from both [Saudi Arabia and Iran]”, Shah was quoted as saying.
Qureshi stated that Pakistan would play ‘responsible role’ in Yemen dispute and would continue to play role of mediator to diffuse tensions. “There exists curiosity [among stakeholders] on China’s visit. – DNA
