ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu Monday discussed a myriad of bilateral relations, including political and diplomatic engagement, economic cooperation, defence ties and collaboration in education and cultural fields.
During a meeting held on the sidelines of the 9th Ministerial Conference of the Heart of the Asia – Istanbul Process in Dushanbe, Tajikistan – they also exchanged views on the regional situation, a press release said.
Foreign Minister Qureshi reiterated appreciation for Turkey’s principled and steadfast support on the issue of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK), which has been a source of strength for the Kashmiri people.
During the meeting, the two foreign ministers evaluated the latest developments in the Afghan peace process.
FM Qureshi briefed his counterpart on Pakistan’s consistent support for and positive contributions to the Afghan peace process.
Underlining that there was no military solution to the Afghan conflict, the foreign minister stressed that an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement was the only way forward.
The foreign minister added that the progress achieved since the beginning of the US-Taliban peace agreement, and the commencement of the intra-Afghan negotiations in Doha should be preserved and further built upon to lead the process to its logical conclusion.
He also cautioned against the role of “spoilers”, both within and outside Afghanistan, who did not wish to see the return of peace and stability in the region.
Expressing concern on the high level of violence, Qureshi stressed the imperative for the Afghan parties to work for the reduction in violence, leading to a ceasefire.
The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on the proposed meeting on Afghanistan in Turkey.
Recalling the Turkish foreign minister’s visit to Pakistan in January 2021, FM Qureshi highlighted excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, based on shared history and commonality of views.
He underlined that the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) had transformed bilateral relations into a strategic partnership.
Underscoring Turkey’s role as instrumental in establishing Heart of Asia–Istanbul Process (HoA–IP), he said that Pakistan valued this process to advance the shared goals of peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan and the region.
The two foreign ministers agreed to remain in close contact and maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges between the two countries.
Talking to the media after holding a meeting with the Turkish counterpart, the foreign minister appreciated that Turkey had always supported Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir.
He termed his meeting with Mevlut Cavusoglu as very constructive and said that Turkey had initiated Istanbul Process during 2011 which had been gaining significance with the passage of time.
The foreign minister also categorically stated that no meeting was scheduled with his Indian counterpart during his visit.
Qureshi said about 15 countries, 16 supporting countries and about 12 global and regional organizations have been attending the conference.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Qureshi arrived at Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe to attend the 9th HoA-IP Ministerial Conference.
Upon arrival at the airport, the foreign minister and his delegation were warmly received by Tajikistan Deputy Foreign Minister Huseynzoda Muzaffar, Pakistani Ambassador Imran Haidar, Deputy Ambassador Shahid Ali Sehar and other high officials.
The foreign minister will lead Pakistan’s delegation at the 9th HoA-IP Ministerial Conference, besides holding a meeting with his Tajik counterpart Sirodjidin Muhriddin and Tajik leadership.
During these meetings, the two sides would discuss bilateral ties and cooperation in diverse fields.
Meetings with other foreign ministers from key members countries are also part of the foreign minister’s schedule.
The visit by the foreign minister and his delegation would further enhance the bilateral ties between the two countries.
