Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has stressed the need for a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan.
The foreign minister had received a telephone call from US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken on Friday and discussed bilateral relations, important developments in the region, and the Afghan situation.
Foreign Minister Qureshi stressed that there was a fundamental convergence between Pakistan and the United States on the need for a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan.
He highlighted the steps Pakistan had taken in support of the Afghan peace process and underscored that securing peace in Afghanistan was the shared responsibility of all stakeholders inside Afghanistan as well as key regional and international players.
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,” Qureshi added.
Foreign Minister Qureshi and Secretary Blinken stressed the need for the two sides to continue close coordination and cooperation to ensure meaningful progress in the peace process.
They also exchanged views on regional connectivity and other key issues.
On bilateral relations, the foreign minister emphasised 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. Foreign Minister Qureshi highlighted Pakistan’s focus on geo-economics according to the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan and reiterated the importance of enhancing economic, trade, and investment ties between Pakistan and the United States.
Foreign Minister Qureshi thanked Secretary Blinken for the Covid-related support extended to Pakistan by the United States.
