Pakistan lobbies with Mexico, Italy for NSG membership

Islamabad, June 10: Intensifying efforts to seek backing for its membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Pakistan's top foreign advisor on Friday spoke to the Mexican and Italian foreign ministers -- a day after both countries indicated support for India's bid.

Sartaj Aziz, advisor to the Prime Minister on foreign affairs, had a word with Mexican Foreign Minister Claudia Ruiz Massieu and Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni.

Aziz, according to a statement here, highlighted Pakistan's credentials for the NSG membership during his talks with both the ministers. Massieu expressed support for a "non-discrimitory approach on NSG expansion to non-NPT states", the statement said.

Aziz and Gentiloni had a very "cordial exchange", the ministry said in a tweet.

Pakistan has intensified its efforts to seek backing for its bid to the 48-tion bloc, which is holding an extraordiry plery in Geneva from June 9-10 to take up applications for membership, including from India.