Prime Minister Imran Khan held a telephone conversation with Italian counterpart Giuseppe Conte. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the two leaders discussed the Covid-19 pandemic and other topics.

PM Imran commended Italy's efforts to tackle the coronavirus outbreak and offered his condolences for the lives lost, the statement said. He also briefed Conte about the situation in Pakistan and the steps taken by the government to curb the spread of the disease.

The premier also spoke about his global debt relief initiative for developing countries. Underscoring the need for a comprehensive plan of action to create fiscal space and strengthen economies, he appreciated Italy’s support for the initiative, the press release said.

Imran emphasised that developed countries could not deal with a global economic recession without taking developing countries on board. "A global challenge requires a global and holistic response," the PMO quoted him as saying.