ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) on Monday confirmed that Pakistan’s participation in “high-level talks on global development” on the sidelines of the BRICS meetings was blocked by a member.
Responding to media queries on why Pakistan was not invited to the summit, the FO spokesperson said, “China is the host country associated with Pakistan ahead of the BRICS meetings, where all BRICS members are consulted. Decisions are taken later, including inviting non-members.”
It said, “Regrettably one member withheld Pakistan’s participation.”
BRICS has five members, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and given the rift between Pakistan and India, it is believed that the new Delhi would have blocked Islamabad’s participation in the summit.
Congratulating China for the successful hosting of the BRICS meetings, the FO expressed the hope that the future participation of the organization would be based on the principles of inclusivity, taking into account the overall interests of the developing world and thus devoid of narrow geopolitical . thought
“We appreciate China’s role in promoting the interests of developing countries. Along with China, Pakistan has been a strong voice for global peace, shared prosperity and inclusive development. Pakistan is the current chair of the G77+ China and Global Development. Initiative (GDI) friends group.
The spokesman said that Pakistan and China are forever strategic partners and their iron brotherhood is strong.
“Both countries are fully committed to taking our all-round cooperation to a higher level, both at the bilateral and multilateral levels.
The FO reiterated that Pakistan stands ready to work with all developing countries, including BRICS members, to address the challenges faced by the global community.