Top Pakistan diplomat speaks with Lebanese counterpart

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AA) - Pakistan’s foreign minister on Friday spoke with his Lebanese counterpart over the phone to express solidarity after Tuesday’s massive blast in Beirut.

According to a statement by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, Shah Mehmood Qureshi expressed grief over the loss of many lives, injuries and extensive material damaged.

On Tuesday, a fire at a warehouse at the Port of Beirut led to a huge blast leaving 154 dead and around 5,000 injuries and causing massive material damage in several neighborhoods of the capital.

"At this difficult time, Pakistan stood in strong support and solidarity with the brotherly Lebanese people,” Qureshi told Charbel Wehbe.

Qureshi also informed his counterpart that Islamabad has sent 8 tons of relief assistance consisting of medical and food supplies as a token of solidarity which will be delivered to Beirut today.

Appreciating the Lebanese people’s resilience, the foreign minister expressed confidence that they will grapple with this challenging situation with their strength.

Wehbe, for his part, expressed his gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for their sympathies and solidarity at this difficult time.

The two foreign ministers agreed to remain in close contact.