Pakistan and The Netherlands have agreed to work together to further enhance bilateral relations in all spheres of mutual interest.

This understanding was reached during the 8th round of Pakistan-The Netherlands Bilateral Political Consultations virtually today.

Special Secretary for Europe Dr. Aman Rashid led Pakistan side while Director-General for Political Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands Thijs van der Plas headed Dutch side.

The two sides discussed the whole spectrum of bilateral relations, including political, economic, trade and as well as developments in their respective regions.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at the level of cooperation at international fora, including at the UN and agreed to continue supporting each other.

Dutch side was briefed on the Covid-19 situation in Pakistan and the steps being taken to save lives and livelihoods.  It was also appraised on the Indian government's discriminatory policies against minorities, and its illegal and unilateral actions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir to alter its demographic structure. The meeting was also informed on Pakistan's efforts aimed at supporting peace process in Afghanistan.

The Special Secretary urged the Dutch side to stress upon India to lift the military siege, stop the ongoing gross violations of human rights in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and take steps towards peaceful solution of Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. He said Pakistan will continue its support to peace process for an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political solution, paving the way for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.

The Special Secretary appreciated Dutch support for Pakistan's GSP Plus scheme and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to the implementation of the 27 international conventions.

Special Secretary conveyed Pakistan's concerns on the rise of xenophobia, particularly Islamophobia, in different parts of the world and stressed on the need to further promote inter-faith harmony.