ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi received a telephone call from the Foreign Minister of Australia, Ms. Marise Payne, today.
The two Foreign Ministers discussed the current situation in Afghanistan. The Foreign Minister of Pakistan underscored the importance of security, stability, and inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan.
The Foreign Minister added that it was essential for the world community to support the people of Afghanistan to address the humanitarian situation and also provide economic assistance.
The Foreign Minister highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate evacuation of diplomatic personnel, staff of international organizations and others from Afghanistan. The Australian Foreign Minister thanked Pakistan for its assistance in this regard.
In the bilateral context, the Foreign Minister said that Pakistan highly values its relationship with Australia, having several strands of collaboration including political, economic and cultural.
While expressing satisfaction on the current level of engagement, the two Foreign Ministers agreed on further enhancing high-level interactions.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi is leaving for four countries visit today to discuss latest situation in Afghanistan with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran from August 24-26, 2021.
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.
In the consultations, Foreign Minister Qureshi will share Pakistan’s perspective on the latest developments in Afghanistan. Pakistan believes that the neighboring countries have a vital stake in the peace, security and stability of Afghanistan and the region. It is important to coordinate closely with the neighbours to address common challenges and advance shared goals of peace, security, stability and regional connectivity.
In the bilateral context, the Foreign Minister’s visit to these countries will build on the recent high-level exchanges to further intensify close cooperative relations. Pakistan desires to further deepen and broaden its multifaceted cooperation with these partners.
The Foreign Minister’s visit would help promote a coordinated regional approach as well as strengthen Pakistan’s engagement with Central and West Asia. Mr Qureshi will also discuss evacuation and mutual cooperation between these countries.
