EU Ambassador H.E Ms. Androulla Kaminara in a meeting with Chaudhary Fawad Hussain,Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, today said that HRVP Borell has called a meeting of Foreign Ministers of EU member states for May 18,2021 (Tuesday) to discuss the situation. She added the meeting was convened to coordinate and discuss how the EU can best contribute to end the current violence.
Information Minister apprised the Ambassador,of Pakistan’s deep concern and anguish on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Ghaza and said that international Community had an obligation to help resolve the situation and facilitate a just solution. He said that Pakistan has declared Friday as a day of solidarity with the people of Palestine who are suffering from continuous violence at the hands of Israeli forces.
Both dignitaries also exchanged views on the COVID-19 situation in the country. The Minister said that Pakistan Government was undertaking all possible steps to contain the pandemic through timely decisions and effective preventive measures. He said NCOC is spearheading the drive against the Covid-19 Pandemic. He said when COVID-19 surfaced in Pakistan early last year, the country was not producing any protective gear against the viral pandemic. But, within 4 to 6 months, he said, it not only started manufacturing protective masks, Kits and quality Ventilators but also went on to export these products.
H.E Ms. Androulla Kaminara, appreciated the steps taken by the Government of Pakistan to protect its people from the pandemic. She also appreciated the rise in Pakistan’s exports in spite of COVID-19 pandemic.
Information Minister also apprised the Ambassador about the approval of two long awaited bills for protection of Journalists and media professionals and the Forced Disappearance (Criminal Law Amendment Bill) and reiterated Government’s resolve to continue to facilitate the growth of free and responsible media in Pakistan. He said that media enjoys unprecedented independence in Pakistan as Government firmly believes in fundamental, democratic and constitutional right of freedom of expression.
Talking about peace and development in the region, Chaudhry Fawad said Pakistan desires good relations with all its neighbors and willing to reciprocate any peace overture. “One cannot move ahead if the other side is not ready to act responsibly”, he said. He added we cannot move forward by ignoring the situation in Kashmir.
EU Ambassador also showed keen interest in Pakistan’s initiatives in the realm of climate change, the billion tree tsunami and the drive for Clean and Green Pakistan.The Minister welcomed EUs interest in these initiatives.
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