FM Qureshi reaffirms support for peace in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has reiterated Pakistan’s support for political initiatives to achieve peace in Afghanistan.

At a meeting with the United States Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad in New York, the foreign minister emphasized that Pakistan regards peace and stability in Afghanistan vital for its own long-term stability and progress.

He said Pakistan always held that there is no military solution to the Afghan conflict. Pakistan, therefore, welcomes the United States’ renewed emphasis on bringing about a political settlement in Afghanistan.

Qureshi said after assuming office, he undertook his first official visit to Kabul which is a reflection of the importance his government attaches to Afghanistan.

Ambassador Khalilzad thanked the foreign minister for his support and said he looks forward to working with Pakistan for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi met his British counterpart Jeremy Hunt on the sidelines of annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The foreign minister expressed satisfaction on current status of bilateral ties and hoped to further enhance cooperation in diverse areas such as trade, investment, development cooperation, and education.

Mr Hunt congratulated Qureshi on his appointment and conveyed his government’s desire to exchange cooperation with Pakistan in all areas of mutual interest.

Qureshi also briefed his counterpart on relations with Afghanistan and situation of grave human rights violations by Indian security forces in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.