A Russian journalist was asked to leave the event amid a joint press conference involving Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
The event has elicited a demand for an explanation from Moscow, which has contacted Islamabad to clarify the occurrence. This is the backdrop to the first formal visit of a Ukrainian foreign minister to Pakistan since establishing diplomatic ties in 1993.
It has been reported that Kyiv had requested the exclusion of Russian correspondents from the press conference beforehand. Nevertheless, a Russian journalist was inadvertently present and was subsequently asked to exit the event by authorities. As per a report by Daily Jang, the journalist staged a silent protest during his departure and pledged to bring up the matter with his embassy in Islamabad.
Following the incident, the Russian Embassy in Islamabad sought an explanation from the Foreign Office, firmly stating that restrictions imposed on journalists’ access to information are unacceptable.
Broader Dialogue Surrounding Bilateral Relations and Regional Security
Kuleba held comprehensive discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Bilawal on various facets of bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual concern on Thursday. This includes deliberations on the security situation in South Asia and the Eurasian region.
The Foreign Office relayed on Friday that both foreign ministers resolved to bolster collaboration across several areas such as trade, investment, higher education, agriculture, defence, and information technology. This enhanced cooperation aims to create mutual benefits for both nations.
Bilawal articulated Pakistan’s apprehensions over the present conditions in Ukraine and conveyed his sympathies for the tragic loss of lives and the consequent massive human suffering. He advocated for the establishment of peace and the peaceful resolution of disputes, expressing Pakistan’s readiness to support initiatives promoting peace.
Bilawal also asserted Pakistan’s backing for recommencing the Black Sea Initiative through dialogue and consultation. In the context of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia, Foreign Minister Kuleba dismissed media reports claiming that Pakistan was supplying arms to Kyiv.
