FM Qureshi, Uzbek counterpart discuss Afghan peace, rights violations in IIOJK

Foreign minister briefs Kazakh counterpart on Pakistan’s shift from geo-strategic to geo-economic approach

ISLAMABAD:

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Uzbek counterpart Abdulaziz Kamilov on Tuesday discussed the regional security including Afghanistan peace process and human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

During a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Foreign Ministers (SCO-CFM) meeting in Dushanbe, the foreign minister briefed his counterpart on the rapidly transforming situation in Afghanistan and highlighted importance of consistent support to Afghan peace process as shared responsibility.

Pleased to meet FM #AbdulazizKamilov on sidelines of #SCOCFM & to discuss greater bilateral cooperation, including finalisation of projects for rail & air links between Pakistan & Uzbekistan. Exchanged views on developments in 🇦🇫 & I shared 🇵🇰 efforts towards peace & stability. pic.twitter.com/TecG3pmrQ4

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) July 13, 2021

He underlined that the region could not afford a repeat of civil war, leading to instability and fresh influx of refugees.

The foreign minister expressed the hope that Afghan leaders, recognising the importance of international support for the Afghan peace process, would achieve a negotiated political settlement.

FM Qureshi is in Dushanbe, at the invitation of Tajikistan, to lead Pakistan delegation at the SCO-CFMs meeting.

The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on ways and means to enhance bilateral ties as well as discussed the regional situation.

They also discussed the forthcoming visit of the prime minister to Tashkent in the bilateral context and for participation in the international conference on connectivity.

It was agreed that close consultations was necessary for the successful visit.

Recalling Uzbek foreign minister’s visit to Pakistan and the virtual summit at the leadership level, FM Qureshi remarked that the continued interaction has injected new dynamism into the bilateral relations.

The Uzbek foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s policy to pursue geo-economic goals which was aligned with Uzbekistan’s foreign policy goals.

Meeting with Kazakh counterpart

Foreign Minister Qureshi also briefed his Kazakh counterpart Mukhtar Tileuberdi about Pakistan’s shift from geo-strategic to geo-economic approach during a meeting on the sidelines of the SCO-CFM meeting in Dushanbe, the two foreign ministers reviewed entire gamut of bilateral relations.

Good to meet FM #MukhtarTileuberdi of Kazakhstan & to share our belief in the Shanghai spirit of cooperation. We also discussed bilateral matters and agreed to further enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest, regionally and globally. 🇵🇰 🇰🇿 pic.twitter.com/eIcwBOjfXD

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) July 13, 2021

FM Qureshi emphasised regular convening of various institutional mechanisms to tap true potential of bilateral ties.

He also highlighted importance of working together on regional connectivity projects which would give a boost to bilateral as well as regional trade.

The foreign minister also emphasised the need to facilitate trade through harmonising customs procedures.

The foreign minister of Kazakhstan concurred with his Pakistani counterpart on the need to convene regularly institutional mechanisms to advance bilateral relations.

The two sides appreciated close cooperation at multilateral fora including SCO and CICA Summit.

Discussing the evolving situation in Afghanistan, Qureshi briefed the Kazakh minister on Pakistan’s perspective and its consistent support to the Afghan peace process.

The two foreign ministers shared the view that the situation in Afghanistan was critical.

It was extremely important to continue support to the Afghan peace process to avoid another cycle of civil war which would impact the region negatively.