FM Qureshi, Iranian president discuss Afghan crisis

President Raisi appreciated Pakistan’s regional approach amid evolving situation in Afghanistan, says FO

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called on Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran and discussed bilateral ties and evolving situation in Afghanistan.

He was accompanied by Special Representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s envoy to Tehran, Rahim Hayat Qureshi and senior officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the Foreign Office in a statement.

Privileged to meet President
Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi in #Iran. Conveyed warmth of our leadership & shared PM @ImranKhanPTI’s invitation to visit 🇵🇰. I also discussed Pakistan’s outlook for a coordinated approach between all neighbours of Afghanistan for peace and prosperity. pic.twitter.com/mHHpRVWkhI

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) August 26, 2021

FM Qureshi embarked on a three-day visit to Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran from August 24 to have high-level interactions.

FM Qureshi conveyed heartfelt felicitations to President Raisi from Pakistani leadership on victory in presidential election and receiving Parliament’s endorsement on cabinet.

He reiterated Pakistan’s desire to work with Iran in all areas to further strengthen fraternal ties.

Foreign Minister Qureshi thanked President Raisi for Iran’s consistent support on Kashmir issue, specially from the supreme leader.

On the latest situation in Afghanistan, the foreign minister apprised President Raisi on Pakistan’s perspective and underlined coordinated approach.

Also read: Pakistan determined to strengthen economic ties with Turkmenistan: FM Qureshi

He added that it was important for the neighbours of Afghanistan to continue consultations on the way forward as the peace in Afghanistan would lead to economic and political benefits for the region.

Welcoming FM Qureshi, President Raisi recalled excellent bilateral ties between the two countries.

He appreciated the foreign minister’s visit for strengthening regional approach in the wake of situation in Afghanistan and expressed hope that Afghanistan would achieve peace and stability, read the communiqué.

FM Qureshi extended invitation, on behalf of Prime Minister Imran Khan to President Raisi to visit Pakistan. President Raisi accepted the invitation.

Meeting with Iranian counterpart

Separately, FM Qureshi met with his Iranian counterpart Dr Amir Abdullahian at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran, according to FO.

➖Peace in Afghanistan will ensure greater economic integration progress and connectivity.
➖Invited FM @Amirabdolahian to visit Pakistan to build on Pakistan - Iran strong bilateral relations.
🇵🇰 🇮🇷 https://t.co/WxL6fm5OBI

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) August 26, 2021

The foreign minister congratulated his Iranian counterpart on getting endorsement from the country’s parliament on his appointment.

Reaffirming desire to enhance bilateral relations in all areas, the foreign minister remarked that Pakistan considered Iran a close neighbour and important country.

In the bilateral context, the Foreign Minister recalled his previous visit to Tehran in April 2021, during which the two countries signed MoU on establishment of Border Sustenance Markets. Coupled with opening of new border crossing point, Foreign Minister Qureshi underlined that both the initiatives would improve livelihood of the people in the border region and facilitate movement.

The two foreign ministers had extensive discussion on regional security situation.

On the developing situation in Afghanistan, the foreign minister remarked that a coordinated approach was important for security, stability and inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan.

“Return of peace in Afghanistan would provide impetus to greater economic integration, regional connectivity and facilitate people-to-people linkages,” the statement quoted Qureshi as saying.

Qureshi reiterated invitation to Iranian FM Dr Abdullahian to visit Pakistan.

Dr Amir Abdullahian warmly welcomed FM Qureshi and reaffirmed Iran’s policy to continue strong bilateral relations.

He welcomed Pakistan’s initiative to advance regional approach on Afghanistan for the mutual benefit of the region.