ISLAMABAD:
Luxembourgian Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn on Thursday said European Union is playing its role in deescalating tensions between Pakistan and India but its mediation potential is not strong enough to resolve the Kashmir issue.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Jean Asselborn admired Prime Minister Imran Khan for his efforts in defusing tensions with India in the aftermath of the Pulwama incident and releasing captured Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman as a peace gesture.
No one wants war between Pakistan and India, he said and offered to play a constructive role as mediator for peace between the arch rivals.
“Luxembourg has concerns over escalating tensions between the neighbouring countries,” he said, adding that it wants stability and peace in the region.
Asselborn also acknowledged Islamabad’s role in Afghanistan reconciliation process, saying that the Luxembourg government was in favour of an early resolution of the issue through dialogues between the Afghan government and Taliban.
Jean Asselbonr praised the positive and effective role of Pakistan for peace establishment in the region.
The Luxembourgian foreign minister said that his government stood firm to support all countries working towards regional peace.
He said that the international community has raised concerns over the current situation of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Asselborn said Luxembourg and Pakistan have agreed to increase cooperation in trade and other sectors that would expand bilateral relations of both countries.
Foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that he has discussed the regional situation with Luxembourg counterpart and clarified the position of Pakistan over recent escalation tension with India.
FM Qureshi expressed his gratitude to him for paying his first visit to Pakistan.
He said that Pakistan desired longstanding peace establishment in the region and Islamabad exhibited tolerance despite aggressive moves by the New Delhi.
He said that violation of ceasefire line had made from Indian side despite the assurance of investigation into Pulwama incident by Pakistan. Qureshi added that Islamabad has invited India for dialogues on every platform.
The foreign minister said that the Pakistani authorities handed back Indian pilot as a peace gesture. Qureshi said that initiation of summit-level dialogues between Pakistan and the European Union (EU) were discussed with the Luxembourgian foreign minister. Agreements related to the dialogues will be signed in the next session, he added.
He said that Pakistan has possessed a wide scope of investments, whereas the Luxembourg government has agreed to increase trade volume and investments.
Qureshi said the EU was a major trade partner and it contained prime importance for Pakistan. Islamabad wanted to become a business partner of the European Union. The foreign minister announced that his German counterpart was expected to visit Pakistan soon.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Asselborn called on Qureshi at the Foreign Office in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal tweeted.
They discussed issues pertaining to regional peace and security situation, and agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in multiple spheres.
They also exchanged views on bilateral relations, trade and matters of mutual interests. The foreign ministers of both countries agreed exchange of delegations for enhancing bilateral ties besides cooperation in science, technology and education sectors.
