'Buoyant' Bilawal asks India to pave the way for meaningful dialogue

Pakistani FM addressing the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in India

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Friday the onus to build a “conducive environment for talks” was on India and underscored the need to give peace a chance. 

The dialogue between the two countries was hurt by New Delhi’s decision to end occupied Kashmir’s special status, he said categorically.

He also said the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) could be a key platform for taking the vision of Eurasian connectivity to the next level. The minister was delivering his keynote address at the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting hosted by India in its Goa state. He reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to the platform. 

"There couldn’t be a more powerful indication of the importance that Pakistan attaches to the SCO than my presence here in Goa for this CFM," he said. 

The foreign minister underscored importance of Pakistan accords to principles of mutual trust and shared development as enshrined in 'Shanghai Spirit.' “Pakistan strongly believes in and fully adheres to principles of mutual trust, shared development enshrined in original ‘Shanghai Spirit’.” 

FM Bilawal also called for collective efforts to fight climate crisis, saying: “The climate crisis poses an existential threat to humanity." 

"SCO has emerged as a platform for promoting mutual understanding, security and development through constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation," he further said.

Speaking about poverty in the region, he said there was a very strong and compelling case for closer cooperation for poverty alleviation under the SCO. “The establishment of the Special Working Group on Poverty Alleviation proposed by Pakistan will be a step in that direction,” he said.  

— Spokesperson MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) May 5, 2023

The Pakistani minister urged to collectively eradicate the menace of terrorism, adding: “Let’s not get caught up in weaponising terrorism for diplomatic point scoring. The collective security of our peoples is our joint responsibility". 

Talking about Pakistan's role in global discourse on climate change, he said his country had emerged as an important voice in the global discourse on climate change in the aftermath of that natural calamity. 

He also highlighted the importance of a peaceful Afghanistan, saying it “is a key not only to regional integration and economic cooperation but also to global peace and stability". 

Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar welcomed the Pakistani counterpart for the meeting in Goa.

Pakistan's policy regarding Kashmir

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that Pakistan's policy on Kashmir remains unchanged despite the unilateral decision taken by India with regards to the valley, and that it has caused damage to the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Mr Bhutto-Zardari said that Pakistan's stance on Kashmir has always been clear and concrete. Pakistan seeks better relations with its neighboring country, and the people of Pakistan and India want peace.

He also expressed his disappointment with India's refusal to grant visas to Pakistan's blind cricket team, stating that cricket should be kept separate from politics and foreign policy.

Meetings with foreign ministers

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto made diplomatic moves in the international arena during meeting of foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.. The young politician had meetings with several foreign ministers, including his counterparts from China, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.

Meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang

In his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, the two leaders discussed mutual cooperation, particularly in the areas of economic cooperation and regional connectivity. Mr Bhutto-Zardari reiterated the strong bond between Pakistan and China, saying that both countries are brothers and will continue to work together for the peace and prosperity of their people.

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) May 5, 2023

Must Read: FM Bilawal, SCO secretary general discuss bilateral matters

Meeting with Kyrgyzstan's foreign minister

Meanwhile, in his meeting with Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev, the two foreign ministers also emphasised on the importance of increasing economic cooperation and regional connectivity between their countries. The two leaders discussed various issues of mutual interest.

Meeting with minister of foreign affairs of Kazakhstan

In another meeting, Mr Bhutto-Zardari met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu. The two leaders discussed mutual cooperation and explored ways to further enhance their economic ties and regional connectivity.

Must Read: FM Bilawal, Uzbek counterpart discuss bilateral, regional issues

Mr Bhutto-Zardari's meetings with the foreign ministers of China, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan demonstrate Pakistan's commitment to strengthening its relations with its neighboring countries and exploring opportunities for cooperation in various fields.