Pakistan would remain closely engaged with US over Afghanistan, Qureshi tells Blinken

FM shares Pakistan's perspective noting the significant change in the situation within a short span of time


News Desk August 17, 2021
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi (R) and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L). PHOTO: RP

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi underlined on Tuesday that Pakistan would remain closely engaged with the United States and other international partners for promoting a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.

The foreign minister expressed the resolve during a telephonic conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in which both sides discussed the rapidly changing situation in Afghanistan.

President Joe Biden earlier defended the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan after the Taliban's stunning military takeover that triggered panic in Kabul with thousands mobbing the airport in a desperate attempt to flee.

In his first public appearance since the group seized control of the country at the weekend, he admitted the Taliban advance had unfolded more quickly than expected.

During the telephonic conversation, FM Qureshi shared Pakistan's perspective noting the significant change in the situation within a short span of time and the avoidance of violence.

"Continued US economic engagement with Afghanistan is of crucial importance as well," FM Qureshi said, further stressing the importance of inclusive political settlement as the best way forward.

Read More: Explainer: How did the Taliban take over Afghanistan so quickly?

He also apprised Secretary Blinken of Pakistan's efforts to facilitate the evacuation of personnel and staff of diplomatic missions, international organizations, media and others.

On Pakistan-US bilateral relations, the foreign minister underlined Pakistan's commitment to forging a broad-based, long-term and sustainable relationship with the US that is anchored in peace, deeper economic cooperation and regional connectivity.

Meanwhile, in a tweet, Qureshi said Pakistan always demonstrated a constructive role in Afghanistan, including its efforts in facilitating an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process and many other economic and humanitarian efforts.

"Our mission in Kabul is working tirelessly to issue visas, to evacuate diplomats, NGO workers, and media personnel," he added.

In another statement, FM Qureshi said it was unfortunate that Pakistan was, once again, denied the opportunity to speak at the United Nations Security Council meeting held on Monday over Afghanistan.

He regretted that at this critical juncture in the destiny of Afghanistan, India's partisan and obstructionist actions, repeatedly politicizing this multilateral platform, whose raison deter is peace, speaks volumes of its intention for Afghanistan and the region.

COMMENTS (3)

SHAW S | 3 years ago | Reply When the dog starts to bark it is given a cookie to eat and a bone to chew Pakistan has done the same and will be doing it too Give a cookie and drop a bone so the dog is happy swaging its tail
Luqman Hafeez | 3 years ago | Reply The whole story does not tell who called whom. Is story ke sub-editor ko to farigh karo yaar.
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