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PR. No. 194/2009

Date: 22/05/2009   

AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS FOREIGN MINISTER QURESHI 

The Australian Foreign Minister, Mr. Stephen Smith, called Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi today and discussed the issues related to the provision of relief and rehabilitation assistance to the displaced persons.  The Australian Foreign Minister said that while his country has already committed $ 10 million, they were mindful of the enormity of the challenge at hand and were considering to provide additional help.

The two Foreign Ministers also discussed the ongoing operations in Swat and Malakand Division and commended Pakistan armed forces for their valour and resolve in uprooting militancy and violent extremism.

On bilateral relations, the Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction at the successful completion of the Third Round of Defence and Security Dialogue held in Canberra on 19-21 May 2009. They agreed that opportunities for expanding Pakistan-Australia relations abound and reiterated their mutual commitment in this regard.  The Australian Foreign Minister said that the appointment of Australia’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, who is visiting Islamabad on 23-25 May should complement this process.

Referring to his very “successful” visit to Pakistan on 16-18 Feb 2009, the Australian Foreign Minister renewed his invitation to Foreign Minister Qureshi to pay an official visit to Australia and to accompany him to his constituency.  Foreign Minister Qureshi agreed to visit Australia on mutually convenient dates this year.

Islamabad
22 May 2009