ISLAMABAD  -  Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi spoke over telephone to Netherlands Foreign Minister Stef Blok Friday to discuss the calling off of the blasphemous caricature competition.

This was the second telephonic conversation between the two Foreign Ministers this week. The foreign ministers discussed the announcement by the Dutch Islamophobe parliamentarian Geert Wilders to call off the blasphemous caricature competition, said a foreign ministry statement. The Dutch Foreign Minister reiterated his government’s position of disassociation with Wilder’s activities and assured of continued cooperation, said the statement.

Qureshi noted that the timely efforts made by the two governments helped in achieving the desired result.

He stressed the need for working together to raise awareness and limiting the disturbing trend of Islamophobia, incitement to racial and religious hatred, and building bridges among civilisations.

The two foreign ministers agreed to continue working together on issues of mutual interest.

OUR STAFF REPORTER