Watch: Pakistan’s foreign minister Bilwala Bhutto lands in Goa for SCO meet

Pakistan's foreign minister, Bilwala Bhutto Zardari has landed in Goa and will take part in the Shanghai Corporation Organisation Foreign Ministers meeting in Goa.
The meeting will be held on May 4 and 5.

The Pakistan foreign minister prior to his departure said that he is looking forward to constructive discussions with his counterparts from friendly countries.

Photo Credit: Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Bilawal Bhutto Zardari departs for Goa to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, in Karachi. PTI Photo

"On my way to Goa, India. Will be leading the Pakistan delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization CFM. My decision to attend this meeting illustrates Pakistan's strong commitment to the charter of SCO," Bilawal Bhutto had said in a video message.

"During my visit, which is focused exclusively on the SCO, I look forward to constructive discussions with my counterparts from friendly countries," he added.

External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar arrived in Goa on Wednesday to take stock of the preparations. He will have a bilateral meeting with many of his counterparts during the day.

The Pakistan delegation is being led by Bilalal Bhutto.

Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahrah Baloch had said." "Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will be leading the Pakistan delegation to the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) being held on May 4-5, 2023, in Goa, India."

"Our participation in the meeting reflects Pakistan's commitment to the SCO Charter and processes and the importance that Pakistan accords to the region in its foreign policy priorities," Baloch had also said.

The announcement of Bilawal Bhutto's visit had coincided with the killing of five soldiers in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir. This incident is likely to cast a shadow over the high-profile visit to India.

The relations between India and Pakistan have been strained since the Pulwama attack and the subsequent air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammad training facility in Balakot.

The relations were further strained after India abrogated Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, which ended special status.