Pakistan will play its role to restoration of Black Sea Grain Initiative brokered by Turkiye last year between Russian Federation and Ukraine while Russian attack on Ukrainian port destroys 60 thousand ton wheat destined for China. Pakistan has agreed to move United Nations and the stakeholders (mentioned above) in this regard. Further, Pakistan has expressed deep condolences on the civilian deaths in Ukraine and hope for the dialogue & diplomacy to bring peace between the two neighbors at war. Pakistan and Ukraine have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in trade and investment, agricultural and defence cooperation, cultural exchanges and deep people-to-people contacts.
This was shared by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in a joint press stake out with visiting counterpart H.E. Dmytro Kuleba of Ukraine at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Islamabad on 20 July 2023. Mr. Kuleba shared there about the Russian attack on Ukrainian port on Wednesday that destroyed the wheat stock meant for China.
This is the first visit of any Foreign Minister of Ukraine in last 30 years of establishment of diplomatic relations. He was received at MOFA Pakistan by a Foreign Minister who has assumed this responsibility for the first time.
“Pakistan enjoys longstanding friendly ties with Ukraine. Pakistan-Ukraine relationship has a long history and has covered trade and investment, agricultural and defence cooperation, cultural exchanges and deep people-to-people contacts. We wish to further expand cooperation to all areas of mutual benefit. Building trade and economic ties is a priority area for Pakistan. We aspire to build a mutually beneficial relationship that contributes to the prosperity and well-being of our nations, said FM Bilawal.
Earlier in delegation level dialogue, sides had comprehensive discussions covering the entire range of bilateral relations and regional and multilateral issues of importance. Minister State Hina Rabbani Khar, Secretary Dr Asad Majeed Khan, Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, DG Europe desk were also present from Pakistan. Ambassador Markiian Chuchuk assisted his Foreign Minister.
Both sides agreed on the importance of regular dialogue and engagement to further strengthen bilateral ties. They also agreed to hold meetings of various institutional mechanisms in due course. Both parties will continue to build on conversation to add more substance to bilateral relations.
To a question, FM Bilawal clarified that Pakistan and Ukraine have signed no deal in defense sector since when the war started. He said all such things in a section of media are unfounded.
Pakistan and Ukraine also discussed how to save the future of the Pakistani students who were affected by the conflict. Here it is worth noting that 1500 Pakistanis including 500 students were stranded in Ukraine when war was started. Mr. Kuleba mentioned the case of Pakistani students but no more details were shared about how the students will be adjusted or continue their studies in Ukraine.
“As we look to the future, I am confident in our joint efforts to strengthen our bilateral relationship. We resolve to move forward in fostering cooperation and friendship between the peoples of Pakistan and Ukraine, FM Pakistan emphasized.
The sides discussed the situation in Ukraine. FM Bilawal shared with the Foreign Minister deep concern at the prevailing situation and offered condolences on the loss of precious lives and immense human suffering.
“In a gesture of solidarity with the people of Ukraine and despite our own economic challenges, we have sent humanitarian assistance, Bilawal noted.
FM Bilawal added, ” believe that prolonged conflict brings immense hardship and suffering to the civilian populations. We hope, therefore, that peace will prevail so that the people of Ukraine and Russia can enjoy peace dividends. In our meeting, I 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.”
“As a country in a volatile region, we understand how longstanding regional conflicts can endanger our collective security. The Ukraine conflict has also brought difficulties for developing countries and the Global South, particularly in terms of fuel, food and fertilizers shortages. Pakistan is no exception. We, therefore, have a vested interest in promoting peace and reconciliation. We hope for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, Bilawal shared.
He 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 12th July.
Mr. Kuleba said, we want Pakistan on our side and Bilawal has expressed condolences for civilian casualties. Bilawal also talked about Pakistan to engage UNO on the Black Sea Grain Initiative restoration. It is upon Pakistan how appropriated is to support us who are fighting for our sovereignty against a strong neighbor.
He recalled Pakistan’s humanitarian assistance for the war affected population of Ukraine and said my visit is in appreciation of that gesture of a friend. He offered help in state services digitization for better engagements between the business community of both countries.
He said, ” War does not stop life. We have to see to the future. Ukraine will see to the future of cooperation with Pakistan. We see Pakistan as good friend and we can cooperate on food security. We are looking forward to meeting of Economic Cooperation Commission soon.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister said, ” Russia left the Black Sea Grain Initiative on Monday and attacked Ukrainian port on Wednesday in which large stock of wheat was destroyed that was booked for China. Russia destroys our wheat and stops us from exporting wheat through black sea while offers her wheat in place of ours. It means Russia wants to destroy the others to find market for her, earn money from grain and buy war weapons to crush the neighbors.”
RUSSIAN FLY IN UKRAINE PAKISTAN PRESS CONFERENCE Interesting situation was created in the press conference of Ukraine Pakistan Foreign Ministers when a fly start disturbing Mr. Kuleba during his talk .He tried his best to keep the fly away but failed.Finally he ignored the fly saying , looks like this fly is Russian.The journalists and officials including Foreign Minister Bilawal enjoyed the lighter note of the guest.
Again at another moment, everyone began smiling.When the guest Foreign Minister shared every detail of his dialogue with Pakistani counterpart at foreign office, a journalist questioned as Mr. Foreign Minister what purpose has brought you TO Pakistan?Mr. Kuleba smiled and replied, I came Pakistan to taste your food.I was informed that Pakistani dishes are very delicious.
Tazeen Akhtar 
FM Bilawal added, ” believe that prolonged conflict brings immense hardship and suffering to the civilian populations. We hope, therefore, that peace will prevail so that the people of Ukraine and Russia can enjoy peace dividends. In our meeting, I 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.”
