ISLAMABAD – Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi underscored that securing peace in Afghanistan was the shared responsibility of all stakeholders inside Afghanistan as well as key regional and international players.
He stated during a telephone call made by U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on Friday as the latter’s country pulling out its troops from Afghanistan after two decades of war.
Qureshi said that it was imperative for all relevant stakeholders to press all Afghan parties to engage constructively towards achieving an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement.
For its part, Pakistan will remain a reliable partner for peace in Afghanistan, he added.
They also discussed bilateral relations and important developments in the region. On bilateral relations, the Qureshi emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to forging a broad-based, long-term and sustainable relationship with the United States that was anchored in deep economic cooperation, regional connectivity and peace in the region.
He highlighted Pakistan’s focus on geo-economics as per the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan and reiterated the importance of enhancing economic, trade and investment ties between Pakistan and the United States.
As regards the situation in Afghanistan, FM Qureshi stressed that there was a fundamental convergence between Pakistan and the United States on the need for a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan. The Foreign Minister highlighted the steps Pakistan had taken in support of the Afghan peace process.
Both officials stressed the need for the two sides to continue close coordination and cooperation to ensure meaningful progress in the peace process.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional connectivity and other key issues. Foreign Minister Qureshi thanked Secretary Blinken for the Covid-related support extended to Pakistan by the United States.
Read more: https://pakobserver.net/tehran-moot-taliban-afghan-delegation-agree-war-is-not-solution/
