Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi telephoned his Spanish counterpart Arancha Gonzalez Laya and conveyed deep condolences over the loss of precious lives in Spain due to coronavirus.

The foreign minister commended the steps taken by the Spanish authorities against coronavirus and in particular lauded the heroic sacrifices of the Spanish healthcare workers.

He also dilated upon the positive role of the one hundred thousand strong Pakistani communities in Spain in standing in solidarity with their Spanish compatriots during the crisis.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi also expressed deep concerns over the continuing communication blackout in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir which was depriving eight million Kashmiris of critical information and essential medical supplies needed to effectively contain the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Foreign Minister underscored the need for immediate lifting of sanctions against Iran and extending humanitarian assistance to enable Iranian authorities to save precious human lives.

The Spanish Foreign Minister appreciated the role being played by Pakistani community in Spain. She said the issue of debt relief to the developing countries could be taken up at appropriate fora.

Zahid/Abid