Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi received Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn at the Foreign Office on Thursday, Foreign Office said.
It stated that the two ministers discussed a wide range of regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest and agreed to enhance cooperation in political, trade and economic, educational and cultural spheres.
Foreign Minister Qureshi briefed his Luxembourg counterpart on the current situation in the region, including the Indian aggression against the territorial integrity of Pakistan.
Qureshi added that it is a gross violation of international law and Pakistan responded in self-defence. "Pakistan did not want any further escalation. The captured Indian pilot was also released as a gesture of peace," the foreign minister further said.
He said that Pakistan offered India to engage in dialogue to address all outstanding issues.
On bilateral relations, Qureshi highlighted the need for broadening the base of institutional cooperation and to enhance trade and economic cooperation.
He invited the Luxembourg companies to invest in information and communication technology, health and environment sectors. "The two sides agreed to explore opportunities of cooperation in green energy and gems and jewellery sectors," Foreign Office stated, adding that the two ministers expressed satisfaction on the cooperation between the two sides at the international fora, including at the United Nations and the European Union, and agreed to continue supporting each other.
Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn appreciated the steps taken by Pakistan towards promotion of regional peace and stability. He assured full cooperation of his government for working together with the government to enhance bilateral relations in all areas of mutual benefit.
Asselborn's visit from 6-7 March 2019 is the first ever visit by a foreign minister of Luxembourg to Pakistan.
Later speaking at a joint news conference, Qureshi said that the two sides discussed the issues of mutual interest including the ways and means to enhance bilateral trade. He said that Luxemburg is an important member of the European Union, adding that Pakistan wants an enhanced cooperation in the EU.
He said that they also exchanged views on the steps taken by Pakistan in line with the FATF guidelines.
He said that the summit-level talks between Pakistan and the European Union were discussed, as well as steps being taken to reduce tensions with India. Qureshi said Pakistan has demonstrated restraint despite Indian intrusions.
Speaking on the occasion, the Luxembourg foreign minister said that no one wants war between Pakistan and India and also offered that his country is ready to play a role as mediator for peace between the two countries.
Expressing concern over the recent escalation of tensions between Pakistan and India, Asselborn said Luxembourg desires peace and stability in the region. "The European Union is playing its role between Pakistan and India. Luxembourg is ready to mediate between Pakistan and India," he said in response to a question.
However, he stated in lighter mood: "But our mediation potential is not strong enough to resolve the Kashmir issue."
In his response, Foreign Minster Qureshi stated: "Don't underestimate the important role that European Union can play."
Asselborn also lauded Prime Minister Khan's efforts for de-escalation in tensions with India, and thanked him for releasing captured Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman as a peace gesture.
He also appreciated Pakistan's role in the ongoing Afghan peace talks and facilitating the United States and the Taliban in the ongoing dialogue process.
Later Luxembourg also called on Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Prime Minister's Office, according to media office of the PM House.
With regard to the current situation with India, the Prime Minister stated that Pakistan had taken several measures to de-escalate and resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of broadening bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Luxembourg and invited investment from Luxembourg companies in IT, health and clean energy sectors.
Foreign Minister Asselborn appreciated Pakistan efforts for peace and stability in the region. Terming Pakistan an important country for the European Union, he agreed that there is potential to expand bilateral cooperation and invited Pakistan to benefit from the Luxembourg Green Finance, a dedicated platform for green social and sustainable securities. He also appreciated the steps taken by the government to curb corruption and promote good governance.