DUSHANBE, MAR 30 (DNA) – Pakistan and Azerbaijan have agreed to continue the process of mutual consultations to promote bilateral cooperation.

The understanding came at a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Azeri Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Dushanbe on Tuesday.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi emphasized the need for undertaking joint efforts to achieve the targets set for promotion of trade and economic relations between the two countries.

The foreign minister noted that the beginning of direct flights between the two countries will supplement efforts to promote cooperation in diverse fields including tourism.

The two foreign ministers also held detailed discussion on the Afghan peace process, situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the regional situation in the wake of border areas recovered by Azerbaijan. = DNA

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ISLAMABAD, MAR 30 (DNA) – Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met with Foreign Minister of Iran Dr. Javad Zarif, on the sidelines of the 9thMinisterial Conference of the Heart of Asia–Istanbul Process in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

During the meeting, the two Foreign Ministers reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional issues, particularly the Afghan peace process.

Foreign Minister Qureshi emphasized the importance of enhanced bilateral economic cooperation. Referring to the Prime Minister’s initiative to develop joint border markets, the two Foreign Ministersagreed on the need to expeditiously finalize the arrangement to facilitate legal trade and improve livelihood in the border region. The two Foreign Ministers also reviewed progress on the opening of new border crossing point.

Foreign Minister Qureshi expressed the hope that the Afghan parties would seize the historic opportunity to work out an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned political settlement. He underlined the need to consolidate progress achieved in Doha process and take the process forward.Expressing concern on high level of violence, he underscored the importance of reduction in violence leading to ceasefire.

Foreign Minister Qureshi also underlined the need to be cognisant of “spoilers”, who did not wish to see return of peace and stability in the region. The Foreign Minister added that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan would help in improving connectivity and promote infrastructure development in the region.

Foreign Minister Qureshi expressed thanks for Iran’s steadfast support on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and Prime Minister Imran Khan’s efforts to counter Islamophobia and promote inter-faith harmony.

The two Foreign Minister agreed to remain in close contact and maintain bilateral political exchanges.=DNA

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ISLAMABAD, MAR 30 (DNA) – On the sidelines of 9th Ministerial Conference of Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met Mr. Mukhtar Tileuberdi Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, in Dushanbe.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional issues.

Foreign Minister Qureshi noted that there was immense potential to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse fields — including trade, aviation, railways and connectivity. It was agreed between the two sides to optimally utilize the bilateral institutional mechanisms to promote practical cooperation, particularly through the Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC), Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC), and Joint Working Groups (JWG) in relevant fields.

Highlighting that Pakistan provided the shortest route to Central Asian States through the Gwadar port, the Foreign Minister invited Kazakhstan to utilise the opportunity for mutual benefit.The importance of reinforcing road connectivity through QTTA (Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement) was also emphasized.

The Foreign Minister shared his perspective on the regional situation, particularly Pakistan’s positive contributions to the Afghan peace process. He added that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan would give impetus to connectivity, leading to overall trade enhancement, facilitation of business travel, and people-to-people exchanges.

The two sides also affirmed their resolve to enhance mutual collaboration in the multi-lateral fora including the UN, SCO, ECO, and CICA.

The two sides agreed to maintain close contact and advance bilateral cooperation in all areas of common interest.

DNA

Karachi, MAR 30 – – Emirates is showcasing the UAE’s remarkable progress in its vaccination programme with a special flight that will carry only fully vaccinated crew and passengers onboard.

On 10 April 2021, special flight EK2021 will depart Dubai International Airport at 12:00hrs local time, to cruise over various areas across the UAE. The flight will return to Dubai at 14:30hrs local time.

The one-off flight EK2021 is a unique event that not only celebrates the success of the UAE’s vaccination programme to date, but also highlights Emirates’ progress in vaccinating its staff and in particular its pilots and cabin crew. Aviation has been and continues to be an irreplaceable force for good, connecting people and cities, facilitating important trade flows and passenger journeys that bring economic prosperity and joy to millions of people.

Passengers will have the opportunity to experience Emirates’ newest A380 aircraft which features the airline’s brand-new Premium Economy seats, and refreshed cabin interiors across all cabin classes.

The Emirates A380 remains a customer favourite for its unmatched comfort and spaciousness. From the award-winning ice inflight entertainment experience, to the iconic A380 Onboard Lounge service for Business and First Class passengers, from a full-course gourmet meal in all classes to the friendly Emirates cabin crew, flyers can expect the full Emirates experience onboard this special flight.

Passengers travelling on EK2021 will be able to experience all of Dubai International Airport’s services and amenities on the ground before boarding.

In addition, customers can also try out first-hand, all the latest measures to help travellers enjoy a safe and smooth journey, including the new biometric and contactless technology which Emirates has recently implemented at the check-in areas and boarding gates at Dubai airport.

This month, Airbus has launched a travel companion app called “Tripset”. The application aggregates and provides flight and travel information to ease and restore passenger’s trust in their end-to-end journey when traveling by air during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tripset allows for passengers to be informed with the latest and most relevant travel conditions, restrictions and health requirements in place, without having to consult a variety of sources.

The UAE is one of world’s leading countries in administered vaccinations for citizens and residents, and has made four COVID-19 vaccines available for free to everyone. To date, over 8 million vaccine shots have been administered in the UAE, protecting over half of the UAE’s population.

The Emirates Group has supported the national vaccination programme by making COVID-19 vaccines readily available to its UAE-based workforce at multiple locations within the company’s premises. To date, over 35,000 Emirates employees have received their COVID-19 vaccine shot from one of the company’s vaccination centres, with over 85% of the airline’s pilots and cabin crew already receiving two doses of the vaccine.

Special flight details

Tickets for flight EK2021 will be available to UAE citizens and residents who have completed the two week period after their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Tickets can be purchased from the Emirates contact centre, Emirates sales offices in the UAE, as well as local travel agents. Tickets are priced at AED 1,000 per person in Economy, and AED 2,000 in Business Class. Customers can visit https://www.emirates.com/ae/english/about-us/get-on-board-ek2021/ for more information about the flight and to check the special terms and conditions.

All fares collected for this special flight EK2021 will be donated to the Emirates Airline Foundation, the airline’s non-profit charity organisation which supports projects around the world aimed at improving quality of life for disadvantaged children.

As with any regular flight, customers for special flight EK2021 will be expected to arrive at check-in with their flight ticket, from 3 hours before flight departure. They will be required to bring their UAE ID or passports, as well as vaccination certificate. All customers travelling on EK2021 will be provided pre-departure rapid Covid-19 testing, free of charge. In accordance with precautionary measures, customers must observe physical distancing protocols and wear their masks throughout the journey.