Pakistan and Ireland PM discuss Palestinian state recognition

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif engaged in a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister of Ireland Simon Harris on Friday.

During the telephonic conversation, the Pakistan PM congratulated the Irish PM on assuming office and conveyed his best wishes.

Read more: Ireland set to recognise the state of Palestine: Prime Minister Simon Harris

Shehbaz also commended the Irish government’s decision to recognise the state of Palestine. The PM said that this sent a message of hope and solidarity to innocent Palestinians brutalised by Israel’s actions.

Shehbez stated that such a move would exert pressure on other nations to follow suit. He said Pakistan supported the two-state solution in the Middle East, that it is the only viable path to lasting peace in the region.

The PM said he appreciated the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) decision to order Israel to cease its invasion of Rafah. He mentioned the importance of giving similar attention to the situation of the oppressed people of Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the Irish PM mentioned his country’s principled stance on the matter. He stated that Israel’s military actions in Gaza cannot be justified. He explained that the Irish government deemed its decision necessary to promote peace.

The leaders also discussed bilateral relations between Pakistan and Ireland with a focus on strengthening cooperation across different avenues,

Read more: ICJ opens case against Germany over Gaza ‘genocide’ claim

Shehbaz praised Ireland’s decision to establish a resident mission in Pakistan. He also extended an invitation to the Irish PM Harris to visit Pakistan officially