Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kolyba, who arrived in Islamabad today on the first of a two-day official visit, on Thursday denied media reports claiming that Pakistan had supplied arms to Kyiv during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Addressing a joint news conference with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in the federal capital, Koliba said that there is no arms supply agreement between Pakistan and Ukraine.
He also thanked Pakistan for supporting Ukraine’s stand on sovereignty and security.
The foreign minister of Ukraine also expressed interest in expanding trade and economic relations and said that the country is looking forward to holding the inaugural session of the Pakistan-Ukraine Commission on Economic Cooperation.
He further said that Ukraine considers Pakistan as a good partner and is ready to work in the field of food security.
The top diplomat of Ukraine also appreciated Pakistan’s humanitarian assistance to the people of the conflict-affected country.
He also assured to solve the problems faced by Pakistani students studying in Ukraine.
Speaking on the occasion, FM Bilawal emphasized the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes and conflicts through dialogue and engagement, saying that Pakistan is ready to support peace initiatives for lasting stability in the region.
Pleased to receive Ukraine's FM@DmytroKuleba on his first visit to Pakistan. Exchanged views on bilateral & global issues of mutual interest. We agreed to expand cooperation in diverse areas by reinvigorating existing bilateral mechanisms. Expressed the hope that ongoing… pic.twitter.com/uT9B3rqQ3E
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) July 20, 2023
Bilawal said that the war in Ukraine has also created problems for developing countries in the world, especially in terms of shortage of fuel, food and fertilizer, Pakistan is not an exception.
He said that Pakistan has great interest in promoting peace and reconciliation as well as peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.
FM Bilawal appreciated the principled stand of the government of Ukraine in support of the resolution on the continuous incitement to religious hatred, discrimination, enmity and violence at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
He expressed confidence that joint efforts to strengthen bilateral relations would be beneficial for the people of both countries.
Bilawal said Pakistan was keen to develop mutually beneficial relations that would contribute to the “prosperity and well-being of our nations”.
“We agreed on the importance of regular dialogue and engagement to further strengthen our bilateral relationship.”
Speaking on the situation in Ukraine, FM Bilawal expressed deep concern and condoled with Islamabad for the loss of precious lives and immense human suffering.
“Despite our own economic challenges, Pakistan has sent humanitarian aid as an expression of solidarity with the people of Ukraine,” he said.
He further said that Pakistan believes that the civilian population has to face immense hardships and sufferings due to prolonged conflict.
The Foreign Minister hoped that peace would be established so that the people of Ukraine and Russia could enjoy the fruits of peace.
