Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, while having a chat with his US counterpart Antony Blinken by telephone, underscored Pakistan’s commitment to forge a comprehensive partnership with the United States based on convergence of interests on a whole range of issues.
US Secretary of State Blinken mentioned his telephonic conversation with Qureshi in a tweet, that “the foreign minister and I underscored the importance of continued US-Pakistan cooperation in supporting regional stability.
According to a Pakistan Foreign Ministry statement, Qureshi congratulated Secretary Blinken on assuming his office.
Highlighting the transformation in Pakistan, the Foreign Minister Qureshi stressed that the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan had a new vision that placed prime importance on forging economic partnership, building a peaceful neighborhood and enhancing regional connectivity.
Qureshi told Secretary Blinken that peace in Afghanistan through a negotiated political settlement was one of the fundamental convergences between the two countries.
“It is essential to have reduction in violence leading to ceasefire and to work towards securing an inclusive political solution in Afghanistan. Pakistan had facilitated the Afghan peace process and remained committed to working with the United States as a partner for peace,” the foreign minister said.
Qureshi also highlighted Pakistan’s resolute measures as well as immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
Secretary Blinken recalled US–Pakistan cooperation over the years and noted that the two countries had a range of areas to engage on. He acknowledged the sacrifices of the people of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism.
In the context of recent developments in the Daniel Pearl case, the Foreign Minister underscored that it was important and in the mutual interest that justice is served through legal means. He highlighted the steps being taken in this regard.
Secretary Blinken in his tweet mentioned that he urged Foreign Minister Qureshi “to ensure accountability for convicted terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and others responsible for Daniel Pearl’s murder.”
Foreign Minister Qureshi and Secretary Blinken agreed to remain engaged and work together on advancing the two countries’ bilateral agenda and promoting common interests in the region and beyond.
Meanwhile, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement that Secretary Blinken spoke today with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
“Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Qureshi discussed how to ensure accountability for convicted terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and others responsible for the kidnapping and murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl.
“The Secretary reinforced US concern about the Pakistani Supreme Court ruling and potential release of these prisoners,” the spokesperson added.
“In addition, the Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed the importance of continued US-Pakistan cooperation on the Afghan peace process, support for regional stability, and the potential to expand our trade and commercial ties,” the statement concluded.
