ISLAMABAD   -   Pakistan and China yesterday discussed the regional situation amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine and hoped for peace.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi spoke over the telephone with State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China. The two foreign ministers discussed bilateral ties and exchanged views on the regional and global situation, said an official statement.

The foreign minister conveyed Pakistan’s concern at the situation in Ukraine and underscored the need for a diplomatic solution in accordance with the relevant multilateral agreements, international law and provisions of the UN Charter.

“The foreign minister expressed the hope that the talks between Russia and Ukraine would succeed in finding a diplomatic solution,” added the statement. State Councilor Wang Yi conveyed his condolences on the loss of precious lives in the cowardly terrorist attack in Peshawar and expressed his sympathies with the families of the victims. The foreign minister underlined that the terrorist act was an attack on the peace-loving people of Pakistan who had rendered tremendous sacrifices to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from Pakistan.

He shared the resolve of the government to continue its unrelenting counter-terrorism efforts and bringing the perpetrators to justice. Recalling the successful visit of the prime minister to China in which various important decisions were taken to advance bilateral practical cooperation, Foreign Minister Qureshi stressed the importance of close coordination between the two sides for early realisation of agreed ventures and projects.

He expressed satisfaction on the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and accelerating industrial relocation and investments in Pakistan.

He also shared Pakistan’s concerns over the adverse economic consequences for developing countries resulting from escalating fuel and food costs and disruption of supply chains.

The foreign minister apprised State Councilor Wang Yi of his outreach to the foreign ministers of Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Russia and the High Representative of the European Union. Maintaining the principled position based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, Pakistan had called for de-escalation and resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.

The two foreign ministers discussed the continued efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan and emphasized the need for the international community to sustain humanitarian assistance for the Afghan people. The two foreign ministers agreed to remain in close contact.