Islamabad (Indonesia Window) – Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi has made a telephone contact with his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi on efforts to prevent further spreads of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and effectively tackle this global challenge.

Foreign Minister Qureshi appreciates Indonesia's timely steps to prevent further spreads of the virus, stating that Pakistan is trying to prevent the outbreak of the coronavirus,

"We, like Indonesia, are trying to maintain balance in this difficult time, by curbing the spread, pushing for social distancing measure, and taking steps to keep the wheels of the economy moving,” he remarked.

The foreign minister said that this pandemic challenge is having very detrimental effects on the global economy while countries with low resources are facing serious difficulties in dealing with the disaster.

In this context, Prime Minister Imran Khan proposes "restructuring of loans" to support the economies of developing countries in this difficult time so that these countries can use their resources to prevent the spread of this global pandemic and save precious human lives.

Pakistani Foreign Minister said that our proposal is being considered at all important forums at this time.

The government is currently focusing on forums for the economic recovery of developing countries such as the World Bank, the IMF, the G20 and the European Union.

Foreign Minister Qureshi also briefed Indonesian Foreign Minister about the worsening situation in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

As India has imprisoned millions of innocent people in occupied Jammu and Kashmir through a curfew, he urged India to put an end to this unlawful siege so that foods and medicines can be made available to non-Kashmiris.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Foreign Minister thanked the Government of Pakistan for taking care of Indonesian students studying in Pakistan.

The two foreign ministers decided to continue this mutual consultation, agreeing to work jointly with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the UN platform to combat the coronavirus epidemic.

Reporting by Hamzah Saif at Pakistan Foreign Office