ISLAMABAD: Moscow protested after a Russian journalist was removed from a joint presser. It was by Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
Kuleba is the first Ukrainian foreign minister to visit Pakistan since diplomatic relations began in 1993.
Kyiv reportedly demanded that no Russian journalists attend the Thursday joint press conference.
Unknowingly, one Russian reporter attended the presser and asked to leave by the authorities.
The reporter left with a silent protest and said he would discuss it with his embassy in Islamabad.
The Russian Embassy in Islamabad demanded an explanation from the Foreign Office, stating restricting journalists’ information access is unacceptable.
Kuleba met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and FM Bilawal on Thursday to discuss bilateral relations, regional and global concerns, and South Asian and Eurasian security.
On Friday, the FO reported that the two foreign ministers agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in commerce, investment, higher education, agriculture, defence, and information technology.
They agreed that regular communication and engagement important and decided to arrange institutional mechanism meetings in due course. Cultural interactions and people-to-people contacts also increased.
Moreover, Bilawal expressed Pakistan’s worry over the situation in Ukraine and condoled the loss of precious lives and enormous human suffering.
While, He hoped Ukraine and Russia would benefit from peace.
Moreover, He stressed engagement, negotiation, and peaceful issue settlement, and Pakistan’s willingness to assist peace initiatives.
Pakistan also supported resuming the Black Sea Initiative through conversation and consultation.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba dismissed media claims that Pakistan was supplying guns to Kyiv during its struggle with Russia.