By Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan
Italy and Pakistan are enjoying very cordial relations. Based on mutual interests the cooperation between two friendly nations is excellent. Both support each other on many international issues and share identical views. There exists harmony and convergence of interests.
Foreign Minister of Italy Mr. Luigi Di Maio visited Pakistan on 5-6 September 2021. He was received for formal talks by his counterpart Foreign Minister of Pakistan Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
The talks covered bilateral relations, matters of common interest, and the emerging situation in Afghanistan.
Foreign Minister Qureshi shared Pakistan’s perspective on the evolving situation in Afghanistan. Stressing the importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan for Pakistan and the region, the Foreign Minister highlighted Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace, security, and stability, and ensured that Pakistan will continue its positive role in all international affairs and keep serving humanity.
The Foreign Minister underlined that it was vital to support the Afghan people at this critical juncture. He emphasized the importance of stabilizing the security situation in Afghanistan, preserving the peace, and preventing any mass exodus of Afghans as refugees. The four decades of unrest and war in Afghanistan have damaged the whole country and affected the whole region adversely. All the neighboring countries are the victims of Afghan unrest and instability. Pakistan is the only country that sacrificed 80,000 precious lives and economic loss estimated at approximately US dollars 250 billion.
Foreign Minister Qureshi underscored the need for the international community to enhance engagement with Afghanistan with positive messaging and through constructive actions. In particular, he emphasized the imperatives of addressing the urgent humanitarian needs and ensuring the economic stability of Afghanistan. War-Torn country, with no hospitals, no schools, no infrastructure, no electricity, shortage of food and medicine, is suffering a lot. Humanitarian assistance is required urgently. The UN Secretary-General has also emphasized the deterioration situation and appealed for humanitarian assistance.
The Foreign Minister also apprised the visiting Foreign Minister of his interactions with the leadership of the immediate neighboring states of Afghanistan and efforts to evolve a coordinated approach. Collective efforts are required to make Afghanistan a stable and peaceful country. For regional developments, Afghan peace is a prerequisite.
Noting Pakistan’s facilitation of evacuation operations, the Foreign Minister reiterated support for Italy’s endeavors. Pakistan is committed to rescuing anyone willing to leave Afghanistan.
Welcoming the forthcoming G20 conference on Afghanistan, Qureshi said the Taliban’s promises for an end to the decades-long war, protection of human rights, general amnesty, and other steps are “encouraging.” Islamabad, he added, has facilitated the evacuation of some 12,000 people from Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover on Aug. 15. The two top diplomats agreed to remain in “close contact” on the developing situation in Afghanistan, the statement added.
The minister said that Italy and Pakistan have a robust relationship, reinforced by 150,000 Pakistani diasporas forming a strong bridge between the two countries. “We agreed to expand our multifaceted cooperation. Pakistan appreciates Italy’s support on matters related to GSP Plus and FATF,” he maintained.
The G20 will culminate in the Leaders’ Summit, which will be held in Rome on October 30th and 31st. Pakistan has high expectations from the G20 summit.
In the bilateral context, Foreign Minister Qureshi underlined the importance Pakistan attached to its relationship with Italy and affirmed the desire to further expand mutual cooperation in all fields. The Foreign Minister also expressed satisfaction at the close cooperation between the two countries in the multilateral fora, including the EU and the UN.
The Foreign Minister invited the Italian Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan for the Second Ministerial Review under the Strategic Engagement Plan. It will further promote understanding, harmony, and collaboration between the two traditional allies.
Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio thanked Pakistan for supporting Italy’s evacuation efforts and also noted the important role of Pakistan in support of efforts for regional peace and stability. He also expressed Italy’s resolve to strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse sectors including trade, investments, energy, higher education, and people-to-people exchanges.
Italy is home to one of the largest Pakistani diasporas in Europe. The two countries closely collaborate bilaterally, in the context of the EU, and at the United Nations, especially on the issue of UN Security Council reforms. Approximately 150,000 Pakistanis are engaged in the development of Italy, and contributing, while earning, to the Pakistan foreign exchanges. The Pakistani workforce is enjoying a good reputation in the Industrial sector of Italy. They are well trained, skilled, strong, and hardworking. A huge number of Pakistani youth are studying in reputed Italian Universities and acquiring the latest advanced knowledge.
Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan – Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan.
(The views expressed belong only to the author and the publication of the article does not necessarily imply the endorsement of its content by World Geostrategic Insights).
Image Credit: Twitter/@SMQureshiPTI