Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and President Ashraf Ghani discussed on Tuesday strengthening bilateral relations and continued efforts for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The meeting between the two occurred on the sidelines of the 9th Ministerial Conference of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) in Dushanbe.
“Pakistan believed there was no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and that an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement was essential for durable peace and stability in Afghanistan,” FM Qureshi reiterated, adding that peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan.
He further remarked that Pakistan was a partner for peace in Afghanistan and towards that end, Pakistan was constructively engaged with the international community to reinforce the efforts for peace.
The foreign minister further underlined that Intra-Afghan Negotiations in Doha achieved progress which should lay the foundation to take the process forward.
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He expressed hope that as the peace efforts moved forward, the Afghans would make important decisions for reaching the negotiated political settlement.
“Durable process in Afghanistan would enhance opportunities for working together on infrastructure and energy connectivity between Central Asia and West Asia through Afghanistan,” FM Qureshi said while highlighting the importance of regional connectivity.
He also had a separate meeting with Foreign Minister Haneef Atmar to discuss bilateral relations and the Afghan peace process.
Earlier during the conference, FM Qureshi said that Pakistan wanted an Afghan-owned and sponsored peace process that could establish lasting peace in the region.
"We want a united, sovereign, and peaceful Afghanistan and for the country to have peace within itself and with its neighbours," he said.
FM Qureshi said that Pakistan supported peace in the region, and expressed confidence that the deliberations would be productive.
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