Pakistan to skip Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland

International - بین الاقوامی , / Thursday, June 13th, 2024

ISLAMABAD:

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will not participate in the Ukraine Peace Summit, the Foreign Office announced on Thursday. FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated that Switzerland had invited Pakistan to the summit on June 15 and 16, but due to other commitments, Pakistan will not attend. She emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to global peace efforts.

Baloch also addressed speculation in Indian media, clarifying that there has been no exchange of letters between Pakistan and India. She noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formally congratulated Narendra Modi via Twitter when he assumed office, as is customary.

Regarding the repatriation plan for illegal foreign residents, Baloch confirmed its ongoing implementation. She highlighted Pakistan’s concerns about terrorism, particularly individuals residing in Afghanistan, and communicated these concerns to the Afghan authorities.

Baloch expressed optimism about the strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China, mentioning that all matters, including the protection of Chinese citizens, are detailed in a joint statement. She also addressed the case of Khadija Shah, stating that it is under trial and will be resolved according to Pakistani laws.

China has also decided not to attend the Ukraine Peace Conference. Russia has indicated that Beijing understands the futility of such a conference without Russia’s involvement. More than two years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Pakistan faces another diplomatic challenge. Pakistan was invited for the first time to such an international conference on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which Baloch had confirmed was under consideration last week.