Pakistan reiterates support for peaceful, stable Afghanistan
Afghan Ambassador, Najibullah calls on Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at Ministry Of Foreign Affairs. PHOTO: APP
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has reiterated Pakistan’s continuous support for a peaceful, stable and sovereign Afghanistan and also welcomed the recent agreement on rules and procedures between the Afghan parties in Doha, Qatar.
The foreign minister expressed these views in a meeting with Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Najibullah Alikhil, who paid a courtesy call on him, according to an official statement on Thursday.
Qureshi said a peaceful and stable Afghanistan would help realise regional connectivity and facilitate economic development.
He congratulated the ambassador on his appointment, saying that Afghanistan and Pakistan have deep-rooted historic ties based on common religion, geography and culture.
Referring to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent maiden trip to Kabul, the foreign minister said the visit built on the sustained engagements witnessed in the recent months between the two neighbouring countries.
The Shared Vision document issued during the premier’s sojourn had laid down the framework for a forward-looking comprehensive bilateral partnership, he added.
The foreign minister expressed satisfaction on his meeting with his Afghan counterpart Haneef Atmar on the sidelines of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) session in Niamey and underlined the importance of effective follow-up.
Envoy Alikhil conveyed greetings on behalf of Afghan Foreign Minister Atmar.
He appreciated Pakistan’s positive contribution to the Afghan peace process, and especially thanked Foreign Minister Qureshi for his personal efforts.