Pakistan’s Finance Minister Qureshi discusses Afghan situation with several counterparts
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Saturday held telephonic conversations with his counterparts from Russia, Germany, Turkey, the Netherlands, Belgium and the rapidly developing OIC chief in Afghanistan.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, in his conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Qureshi stressed that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is important for Pakistan and the region.
“Pakistan has consistently supported the Afghan peace process,” he said, adding that Pakistan and Russia have made valuable contributions to these efforts as part of Troika Plus.
The two Foreign Ministers agreed to continue working together through the Troika Plus format.
Qureshi highlighted that an inclusive political settlement is the best way forward for peace and stability in Afghanistan, and added that Pakistan is fully supporting efforts in that direction.
He stressed the importance of ensuring safety and security as well as safeguarding the rights of all Afghans.
The External Affairs Minister also apprised his Russian counterpart of Pakistan’s access to regional countries for consultations to deal with the challenges posed by development in Afghanistan.
The Foreign Office said it informed Lavrov that at the request of several governments, Pakistan is helping its diplomatic personnel, employees of international organizations, the media and others to be evacuated from Afghanistan.
Qureshi expressed satisfaction at the upward trend in Pakistan-Russia relations and reiterated the government’s resolve for early implementation of the agreement on the Pakistan Stream gas pipeline project.
The two Foreign Ministers agreed to promote bilateral cooperation in various fields, enhance high-level exchanges and remain in close contact on matters relating to Afghanistan.
Qureshi received a telephone call from German counterpart Heiko Maas and the two leaders exchanged views on the latest developments in Afghanistan.
“We must work together to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan,” Qureshi told Maas. He said the support of the international community would be crucial for the Afghan peace process.
He stressed that it is important for the international community to remain engaged in supporting the Afghan people to ensure humanitarian and economic assistance.
Qureshi called on Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Kavusoglu and exchanged views on bilateral relations and reviewed the latest situation in Afghanistan.
He said that Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) has underscored the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan for Pakistan and the region and hoped that Afghan leaders will work together to achieve an inclusive political settlement.
The Foreign Office said the two foreign ministers agreed to closely coordinate the situation in Afghanistan.
Qureshi also received a telephone call from the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmes, who exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan.
He underlined the importance of the world community to support the people of Afghanistan to deal with the humanitarian situation for economic stability.
The Belgian Foreign Minister thanked Pakistan for its support and facilitation in the evacuation.
Qureshi spoke to Dutch Foreign Minister Sigrid Kaag about the Afghan situation. The two leaders agreed that international cooperation is vital to the prosperity of the Afghan people.
He also spoke to Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Qureshi told al-Othaimeen that Pakistan would continue to play its constructive role in Afghanistan.
He said it is imperative for the international community to stay engaged with Afghanistan, including to support the country’s economy, reconstruction, resettlement and humanitarian needs.
He said it is also important for Muslims to show traditional solidarity with the Afghan people in their quest for a peaceful, united, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.
The OIC Secretary General apprised Qureshi of the OIC Executive Meeting which has been convened in Jeddah on 22 August to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.
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