ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi embarked on a three-day official visit to Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
During the visit, the foreign minister will have high-level interactions to exchange views on the evolving situation in Afghanistan and on enhancing bilateral relations, a statement issued by MoFA said.
“Pakistan believes that the neighbouring countries have a vital stake in the peace, security and stability of Afghanistan and the region,” said the statement.
It is important to coordinate closely with the neighbours to address common challenges and advance shared goals of peace, security, stability and regional connectivity, it said.
Qureshi’s visit would also help promote a coordinated regional approach as well as strengthen Pakistan’s engagement with Central and West Asia, said the ministry.
QURESHI, PAYNE DISCUSS AFGHANISTAN:
Earlier in the day, Qureshi held a telephonic conversation with his Australian counterpart to discuss the security situation in Afghanistan.
During the call, Qureshi shared with Marise Payne Pakistan’s perspective on the inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan.
He stressed it was essential for the world to support the people of Afghanistan to address the humanitarian crisis in that country.
Qureshi highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate the evacuation of the diplomatic personnel and officials of international organisations and others from Afghanistan. At this, Payne appreciated Islamabad for its support and facilitation extended to the countries in evacuation from Afghanistan.
In the bilateral context, he said Pakistan valued its relationship with Australia, having several strands of collaboration including political, economic and cultural.
Expressing satisfaction at the current level of engagement, the two foreign ministers agreed on enhancing high-level interactions between the two countries.
