Printer Friendly Version

PR. No.249/2008

Date: 12/08/2008    

CALL ON THE FOREIGN MINISTER BY MR. GARETH EVANS

Mr. Gareth Evans, former Foreign Minister of Australia and the Co-Chairperson of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, called on Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi this afternoon. The International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament is a joint initiative of the Governments of Australia and Japan . Mr. Gareth Evans is also the President of the International Crisis Group (ICG).

2. A general exchange of views on international disarmament and non-proliferation issues took place during the meeting. The Foreign Minister reiterated Pakistan 's principled positions on these issues. The Foreign Minister underscored that the global non-proliferation regime can only be strengthened by the application of norms in a non-discriminatory and equitable manner. The Foreign Minister also stressed the need for a balanced approach incorporating disarmament, non-proliferation and access to peaceful uses of nuclear energy for civilian purposes.

Islamabad

12 August 2008