ISLAMABAD: Pakistan hosted virtual meeting of Special Representatives/Envoys of neighbours of Afghanistan today. Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq, chaired the session. China, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan participated.
During the meeting, views were exchanged on the latest situation in Afghanistan. Ambassador Sadiq, welcoming his counterparts, highlighted the importance of evolving a regional approach to address common challenges and to realise the new opportunities arising from a stable Afghanistan. He added that a prosperous and peaceful Afghanistan would provide impetus to economic integration, strong people-to-people linkages, enhanced trade, and regional connectivity.
The Special Representatives/Envoys of neighbours of Afghanistan agreed to remain in close contact.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had wide-ranging talks with the visiting Foreign Minister of The Netherlands Ms. Sigrid Kaag today. The talks covered the latest developments in Afghanistan and bilateral relations.
Underlining the significance of the visit, Foreign Minister Qureshi noted with satisfaction the strong momentum in Pakistan-Netherlands relations.
Recalling their telephonic conversation of 21 August and the telephone call between Prime Ministers Imran Khan and Mark Rutte, Foreign Minister Qureshi shared Pakistan’s perspective on the evolving situation in Afghanistan. Stressing the importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan for Pakistan and the region, the Foreign Minister highlighted Pakistan’s steadfast support for regional peace and security.
The Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of stabilizing the security situation in Afghanistan, preserving the peace, and preventing any mass exodus of refugees.
The Foreign Minister underlined the need for the international community to remain engaged with Afghanistan with positive messaging and constructive actions. In particular, he emphasized addressing the humanitarian needs and ensuring economic stability of Afghanistan.
Noting Pakistan’s facilitation of evacuation operations, the Foreign Minister assured support to The Netherlands’ evacuation endeavours.
The Foreign Minister lauded growing bilateral cooperation in diverse fields. Underlining the high value Pakistan attached to its relations with The Netherlands, the Foreign Minister underscored the resolve to comprehensively upgrade the overall relationship.
