ISLAMABAD, 22 December, 2020, (TON): Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Monday that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leadership was told that Pakistan would not recognise Israel till the resolution of the Palestine issue. Stressing that Islamabad would not tolerate any pressure in this regard.

Talking to journalists in Multan Qureshi said “I categorically presented Pakistan’s stance on Israel to the UAE’s foreign minister that we will not and cannot establish a relationship with Israel until a concrete and permanent solution to the Palestine issue is found.”

“I briefed them on our Israel-Palestine policy,” he added.

“Neither will we tolerate any pressure regarding Israel, nor we are under any compulsion,” the minister told reporters. “There is resemblance in issues of Kashmir and Palestine,” he said, adding that Pakistan wanted solution of both issues as per wishes of the local people.

Qureshi’s statement came days after his visit to the UAE, which was seen by many as crucial amid rumours that Islamabad had secretly sent a messenger to Israel.

Qureshi remarked that his recent visit to UAE was aimed at discussing and deepening the bilateral relationship.

Islamabad denied the reports, which appeared mainly in the Israeli media.

"we have to make decisions keeping in mind Pakistan's interests and not due to any pressure. We have a policy and we are still steadfast on it," he added.

Qureshi also said he wanted to clarify that neither the UAE nor Saudi Arabia had any intention of making "India a replacement for Pakistan", adding that it was India's "misunderstanding" if it wished to make efforts towards that end.

Diplomatic ties seems to remain unestablished between Pakistan and Israel due to Pakistan's refusal to officially recognize Israel until a viable two-state solution is reached in regards to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.