FM Qureshi stresses upon continued int’l engagement & support to stabilize the situation in Afghanistan
BRUSSELS, Dec 08 (SABAH): Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels.
The two leaders reviewed the status of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on the regional situation, including the latest developments in Afghanistan.
Recalling his last meeting with the Secretary General in Brussels in June 2019, Foreign Minister Qureshi underscored that the regular high-level political and military engagements between the two sides have contributed towards strengthening bilateral cooperation and partnership.
Highlighting the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan for Pakistan, the Foreign Minister stressed upon continued international engagement and support to stabilize the situation in the country. Referring to the two decades of Pakistan-NATO cooperation in Afghanistan, the Foreign Minister underscored the importance of continued collaboration to tackle the threat of terrorism.
Secretary General Stoltenberg appreciated Pakistan’s invaluable support during the NATO’s two-decade long engagement in Afghanistan, including through the Air and Ground Lines of Communications as well as the pivotal role during the evacuation of NATO staff, nationals of NATO member states from Afghanistan.
The Foreign Minister expressed the hope that the international community would expeditiously extend financial and humanitarian assistance to enable the country to meet its compelling needs, help avert a humanitarian catastrophe, stop fresh outflows of migrants, and prevent Afghanistan from once again becoming a safe haven for terrorists.
Highlighting Pakistan’s efforts towards peace and stability in South Asia, Foreign Minister Qureshi stated that Pakistan pursues a policy of peace with all its neighbours and seeks to resolve all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, through dialogue and engagement.
Both sides agreed to work together for promoting Pakistan-NATO relations and to remain engaged on issues of mutual interest.
Meanwhile Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ms. Sophie Wilmes at Egmont Palace in Brussels.
During the meeting, the two Foreign Ministers took stock of the entire spectrum of bilateral relations. Recalling their meeting on the side-lines of the UN General Assembly Session in September and telephonic conversation in August, Foreign Minister Qureshi underscored that Pakistan valued Belgium as a close friend and an important trading partner in the EU.
Appreciating the positive trajectory in overall bilateral relations, including substantial growth in bilateral trade, Foreign Minister Qureshi emphasized to further strengthen the bilateral partnership and expand cooperation in political, economic, trade, education, science, multilateral spheres and people-to-people exchanges.
The Foreign Minister noted that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was of crucial importance for Pakistan, the region and beyond. He underscored the importance of the international community’s engagement with Afghanistan for stabilizing the situation, reviving the economy and facilitating lasting peace and stability. He stressed that international engagement and support was vital to avert a humanitarian catastrophe, prevent outflow of refugees and stop Afghanistan from once again becoming a terrorist safe haven.
The Foreign Minister also apprised his counterpart of the dire human rights and humanitarian situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K). He underscored that the unabated human rights violations and denial of right to self-determination to the Kashmiri people were major obstacles in normalization of relations between Pakistan and India.
Foreign Minister Qureshi briefed Foreign Minister Wilmes on the growing conventional asymmetry, induction of destabilizing weapons systems, provocative doctrines and aggressive posturing by India, which was gravely impacting strategic stability in South Asia.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Wilmes expressed satisfaction at the positive momentum in bilateral relations. She greatly appreciated Pakistan’s facilitation and key role in the evacuation, in particular, its support to the successful conduct of the Belgian Operation Red Kite, which evacuated 1400 persons from Afghanistan, including 201 Belgian nationals.
The visit took place at the invitation of the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. The visit provided further impetus to strengthening of the Pakistan-Belgium bilateral relationship and set fresh benchmarks for future cooperation.
Foreign Minister Qureshi extended an invitation to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Wilmes to visit Pakistan at mutually convenient dates, which she gladly accepted.