FM Qureshi discusses COVID-19 pandemic, Kashmir issue with Russian counterpart.

ISLAMABAD -- Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday held a telephonic conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov to discuss a range of issues including the current COVID-19 outbreak and its ramifications on the region, as well as the crackdown by Indian occupation forces in Kashmir.

"Matters of mutual interest, including the COVID-19 pandemic, cooperation at the multilateral fora, prospects of enhanced bilateral cooperation, and regional issues were discussed by both ministers," read a press release issued by the Foreign Office (FO).

Reiterating that Pakistan considered Russia as an important partner and desired to forge a long-term and multi-dimensional partnership with the country, Qureshi offered condolences on the loss of precious lives in Russia due to the on-going global pandemic.

In response, Foreign Minister Lavrov also expressed solidarity with Pakistan in its efforts to combat the outbreak.

During an exchange of views on the socio-economic implications of the virus, Qureshi apprised Lavrov of Prime Minister Imran Khan's call for debt relief for developing countries.

"Coordinated and comprehensive actions were essential to create fiscal space...