ISLAMABAD: On Thursday, Prime Minister Imran Khan held a telephone conversation with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, highlighting the extraordinary task faced by developing countries to save COVID-19 lives, as well as to fight poverty and hunger.

The Prime Minister has highlighted his call for “Global Initiative for Debt Relief” for developing countries in this context. President Buhari has expressed support for the initiative.

The two leaders decided that both sides would work closely with the UN Secretary-General and other concerned countries and partners in promoting the common objectives in New York.

While noting encouraging response from the UN, the IMF, the World Bank and other stakeholders, the prime minister highlighted the need for additional steps and resources that are imperative to regenerate growth and livelihoods.

They agreed they faced similar situations in Pakistan and Nigeria.

The Prime Minister expressed the solidarity of Pakistan with the Nigerian government and citizens, and commended their successful steps to suppress COVID-19 spread.

The prime minister also highlighted the measures taken to curb coronavirus spread in Pakistan.

Expressing satisfaction at the current level of collaboration, the Prime Minister reiterated his commitment in the context of Pakistan’s “Engage Africa” initiative to further deepen bilateral relations with Nigeria, especially in the commercial and economic fields.

Prime Minister Imran Khan also extended President Buhari a cordial invitation to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.