FM Shah Mehmood Qureshi embarks on three-day visit to US

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah (FM) Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday embarked on a three-day visit to United States (US) amid Middle East crisis.

According to a press release issued by the foreign office, FM Qureshi will reach New York on Wednesday (today), where he will meet United Nations’ (UN) leadership including the Secretary-General.

The foreign minister will leave for Washington on January 16, where he will meet Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Advisor Robert O’ Brien and other senior Administration officials.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi will also have meetings on the Capitol Hill, besides engagements with the media, think tank community and the Pakistani Diaspora.

In the official talks, the Fm Qureshi will focus on Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach, which has been undertaken on the direction of Prime Minister Imran Khan in the wake of the recent tensions in the Middle East/Gulf Region.

The objective is to support efforts for de-escalation and resolution of differences and disputes through political and diplomatic means. The Foreign Minister’s visit to the U.S. is part of these endeavours, said FO.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi, while reviewing full spectrum of bilateral relationship, will underscore the value Pakistan attaches to a broad-based, long-term and enduring partnership with the U.S in line with the vision of the leaders of the two countries.

He will also brief his interlocutors on the prevailing situation in IOJ&K, especially the prolonged sufferings of the Kashmiris caused by India’s unilateral and illegal actions of 5 August 2019.

FM Qureshi will also highlight Pakistan’s role and continued resolve to support the Afghan peace and reconciliation process.