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ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, in separate meetings on Saturday, discussed the situation in Afghanistan with his Afghan and Turkmen counterparts Amir Khan Muttaqi and Rashid Meredov ahead of 17th extraordinary session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers, due to be held tomorrow.
In a meeting with Interim Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, Shah Mahmood Qureshi reiterated that an inclusive government and respect for human rights, particularly women, was in the interest of the Afghan government.
Qureshi further said Pakistan, being an immediate neighbour of Afghanistan, was making all possible efforts for the humanitarian assistance of the Afghan people.
He said the hosting of the extraordinary moot was also part of Pakistan’s efforts to support its Afghan brethren. He told the Afghan counterpart that through this meeting, Pakistan would tell the world not to repeat past mistakes rather move forward.
Regarding his announcement of Rs 5 billion assistance for Afghan people during his visit to Kabul, Foreign Minister told the Afghan dignitary that the government had arranged food, medicines and 50,000 metric tons of wheat for the Afghan people.
He said Pakistan also looked forward to hosting the 48th meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in March next year and hosting of the two consecutive OIC moots manifested Pakistan’s serious approach towards the resolution of the issues.
The foreign minister said the economic stability of Afghanistan would be in everyone’s interest, so the world should not waste the opportunity earned after 40 years. The interim Afghan foreign minister thanked Foreign Minister Qureshi for inviting him to the moot and for the warm hospitality.
Turkmen FM calls on Qureshi
Shah Mehmood Qureshi, in a meeting with his Turkmen counterpart Rashid Meredov, said being an important country in Central Asia, Turkmenistan was a country of special importance for Pakistan.
Both sides discussed the bilateral relations as well as the regional situation. Qureshi said that under its Central Asia Vision, Pakistan desired a durable and result-oriented relationship with the states in the region.
Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment for early completion of the TAPI project, the foreign minister said through Karachi and Gwadar ports, Pakistan would connect Turkmenistan with the Middle East and Africa for trade connectivity.
The foreign minister emphasized the OIC’s role to deal with Islamophobia, peace and security and disputes resolution. Calling for urgent measures to deal with Afghanistan situation, he said any consequent crisis would impact not only the neighboring countries but the whole world.
Regarding Kashmir, he said being a representative body of 57 Muslim nations, OIC could play a key role in the resolution of the dispute in accordance with the UNSC resolutions. The foreign minister of Turkmenistan thanked Foreign Minister Qureshi for warm reception and hospitality.
