Foreign Ministers of Russia, China, Pakistan and Iran on Thursday exchanged views on the latest developments in Afghanistan and the situation of peace and security in the region.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, China’s Wang Yi, Pakistan’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Iran’s Hossein Amir Abdollahian were meeting on the side-lines of the heads of state summit meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO).
The participants of the meeting expressed determination for promoting peace, security and stability in Afghanistan and the region.
The ministers emphasised on national reconciliation and called for inclusive government in Afghanistan so that it should take care of the interests of all ethnic and political forces.
During the meeting, they emphasised for collective efforts for countering threats to Afghanistan especially the danger of spread of terrorism and drug trafficking.
Read PM reiterates need for stable Afghanistan
The minister expressed concern on the precarious humanitarian, social and economic situation in Afghanistan and on the threat of influx of refugees to the neighbouring countries. They called for return of peaceful life and revival of economy in Afghanistan.
Ties with Russia key priority
Qureshi Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Dushanbe and reiterated commitment to further enhance the bilateral ties.
Recalling earlier interaction with Lavrov during the latter’s visit to Pakistan in April 2021, the two leaders exchanged views on the entire gamut of bilateral relations, a statement issued by the Foreign Office said on Thursday.
Matters relating to the regional and global issues were also the subject of discussion.
FM Qureshi underscored the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan for the regional security and prosperity. He emphasised the urgent need for the promotion of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan in order to address food and medicine shortage in the country.
The foreign minister also reaffirmed the government’s resolve for early realisation of the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline Project.
With additional input from News Desk
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