Qureshi reiterates Pak’s commitment to work together with regional & int’l partners for durable peace & stability in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD, Feb 01 (SABAH): Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi received a telephone call from the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of The Netherlands, WopkeHoekstra on Tuesday.

Foreign Minister Qureshi congratulated his Dutch counterpart on assuming the office as Foreign Minister and renewed the invitation to him to visit Pakistan. The two sides expressed satisfaction over the level of bilateral cooperation in diverse areas, particularly in the fields of trade and investment.

Foreign Minister Qureshi noted increased bilateral interactions in the recent past and hoped that the upcoming Bilateral Political Consultations will provide both sides with an opportunity to identify new avenues of cooperation and exchange views on issues of common interest.

The two Foreign Ministers also exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan. Foreign Minister Qureshi highlighted Pakistan’s facilitative role in the evacuation efforts of foreign nationals. He also highlighted Pakistan’s outreach efforts to sensitize the international community about the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and underlined the need for urgent measures to prevent ahumanitarian crisis and economic meltdown. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to work together with regional and international partners in support of efforts for durable peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The Dutch Foreign Minister thanked Pakistan for its support in evacuation of Dutch staff from Afghanistan and agreed to work together to enhance bilateral cooperation. He also invited Foreign Minister Qureshi to visit The Netherlands.

Meanwhile Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi held telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister of Kyrgyz Republic Ruslan Kazakbaev on Tuesday.

The two sides reviewed growing bilateral ties, including ways and means to enhance and diversify cooperation in political, trade, investment, education and cultural fields.

The Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of high-level contacts, regular parliamentary exchanges, and revitalizing bilateral institutional mechanisms. He underlined the importance of direct flights and facilitation of people-to-people contacts. The Ministers agreed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in a befitting manner.

The two Foreign Ministers expressed satisfaction on close collaboration at regional and international fora, including UN, OIC, SCO and ECO and agreed to remain in contact to further strengthen bilateral relations in all areas.