Pakistan and Ukraine have agreed to expand cooperation in all areas of mutual benefit including trade, investment, agriculture, food security, defense cooperation, cultural exchanges and people to people contacts.  

Consensus to this effect was reached during delegation level talks between Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in Islamabad on Thursday.

Later, addressing the joint news conference in Islamabad today, the Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said we have agreed on the importance of regular dialogue and engagements to further strengthen the bilateral ties.

He said building bilateral trade and economic ties is a priority area for Pakistan.

Bilawal Zardari said it is in larger interest of Pakistan as well as the developed world that this grain deal should be restored.

He said during the meeting, the current Ukrainian situation was also discussed and he expressed Pakistan’s deep concern at the prevailing situation and offered condolences on the loss of precious lives and immense human suffering.

He hoped that peace will prevail so that the people of Ukraine and Russia could enjoy peace dividends.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also emphasized the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes and conflicts through dialogue and engagement and Pakistan’s readiness to support peace initiatives which can bring peace to the region.

The Minister also appreciated the Ukrainian government for its principled stance in supporting the resolution on countering religious hatred constituting incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence at the Human Rights Council in Geneva on July 12.

Speaking on the occasion, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister said the both sides agreed to reinvigorate the bilateral mechanisms as both looked forward to holding the inaugural meeting of the Ukrainian and Pakistani Commission of the economic cooperation.

On issue of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Dmytro Kuleba said during the meeting he briefed the minister about the Russian withdrawal from this initiatives on Monday and about its consequences for global food security.

He said Ukraine consider Pakistan a good partner and it is ready to work in all areas especially in the area of food security.

The Foreign Minister of Ukraine said since Ukrainian independence, the two countries had enjoyed excellent relationship.

He also thanked Pakistan for providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine.