The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Monday that one member had banned Pakistan’s participation in the BRICS meeting, which it described as regretful.
While response to media inquiries about a ‘High-level Dialogue on Global Development’ held virtually on the sidelines of the BRICS meetings,’ MOFA spokesperson Asim Iftikhar Ahmad issued a statement congratulating China on the successful hosting of the BRICS meetings.
“We have noted that this year a “High-level Dialogue on Global Development” was held as a BRICS side event in which a number of developing/emerging economies were invited. China being the host country engaged with Pakistan prior to the BRICS meetings, where decisions are taken after consultations with all BRICS members, including extending invitation to non-members. Regrettably one member blocked Pakistan’s participation. However, we do hope that future engagement of the organization would be based on the principles of inclusivity keeping in view the overall interests of the developing world and in a manner that is devoid of narrow geo-political considerations.”
The statement added that Pakistan appreciate China’s role in promoting the interests of the developing countries.
“Together with China, Pakistan has been a strong voice for global peace, shared prosperity and inclusive development. Pakistan is the current chair of G77+China and also part of group of friends of the Global Development Initiative (GDI).”
According to a FO official, Pakistan and China are all-weather strategic partners, and our iron brotherhood is still rock firm.
“The two countries are fully committed to take our all-round cooperation to higher levels both bilaterally and multilaterally,” he added.
According to the FO spokeswoman, Pakistan is ready to collaborate with all emerging countries, including BRICS members, to address global concerns.
