-Says Pakistan determined to strengthen ties with Turkmenistan
-Meets with his Iranian counterpart in Tehran
DM Monitoring
ASHGABAT: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called on President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow in Ashgabat on Thursday and discussed the Afghan situation and bilateral relations between the two countries.
FM Qureshi embarked on a three-day visit to Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran from August 24 to have high-level interactions. Qureshi said Pakistan values its relations with Turkmenistan.
“Pakistan is determined to further strengthen its economic relations with Turkmenistan through different projects such as TAPI,” the FM said.
The foreign minister further apprised the president of the central Asian country about Islamabad’s viewpoint regarding the unfolding situation in Afghanistan.
“Pakistan considers peace and stability in Afghanistan important for promotion of trade and connectivity in the region,” he added. Berdimuhamedow commended Pakistan’s efforts for a coordinated approach on Afghanistan.
On August 25, the foreign minister arrived in Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and the future course of action with the country’s leadership.
Qureshi held a meeting with the Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin and called on President Emomali Rahmon. The minister also promoted bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.
During the meetings, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and exchange views on the Afghan situation.
The Tajik FM said Tajikistan appreciated Pakistan’s initiative of reaching out to the neighbours of Afghanistan for a coordinated approach. Both ministers also reviewed the latest developments in Afghanistan and agreed to remain in close contact.
FM Qureshi apprised his Tajik counterpart of Pakistan’s policy to support an inclusive political solution in Afghanistan and underscored the importance of continued international engagement as a shared responsibility.
Later, Qureshi met his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian in Tehran on Thursday and discussed with him the evolving situation in Afghanistan.
“Pleased to meet FM Amirabdollahian in Tehran and shared congratulations on assumption of office,” the foreign minister wrote on his official Twitter handle. He said he had “extensive discussions on regional security and a coordinated approach for Afghanistan to work towards security, stability and an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan”.
Speaking to the Iranian FM, Qureshi emphasised that peace in Afghanistan will ensure greater economic integration progress and connectivity.
He also invited FM Amirabdollahian to visit Pakistan to “build on Pakistan-Iran strong bilateral relations”. His Tehran visit is part of a four-nation trip to apprise Pakistan’s neighbouring countries on its perspective about the situation evolving in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover of the war-torn country.
On Wednesday, FM Qureshi met his Tajik counterpart in Dushanbe. Both the foreign ministers reviewed the latest developments in Afghanistan and agreed to remain in close contact.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi had apprised his Tajik counterpart of Pakistan’s policy to support an inclusive political solution in Afghanistan and expressed hope that Afghan leaders would achieve a workable solution.
