ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday welcomed the UNSC resolution to provide aid to Afghan people and US exemption to allow business with Taliban, made shortly after the held OIC foreign ministers’ moot in Islamabad.
“Following OIC session in Pakistan, welcome two important developments in support of Afghan people: UNSC resolution to provide aid to Afghanistan, supporting basic needs and the US exemption on US/UN officials doing permitted business with Taliban from US sanctions, to help ease aid flow,” the foreign minister said on Twitter.
Following #OICInPakistan, welcome 2 imp devpts in support of Afghan people:
➖@UN SC resolution to provide aid to Afghanistan, supporting basic needs
➖ The US exemption on US/UN officials doing permitted business w/ Taliban from U.S. sanctions, to help ease aid flow.— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) December 23, 2021
Talking to journalists, the foreign minister said, “Surely, this is a major breakthrough. I want to congratulate the Afghan people. OIC’s session of the foreign ministers starts coming to fruition.”
The minister said that presented by the United States and adopted by all at the UNSC, the resolution would enable the United Nations and international NGOs to extend assistance to the Afghan people.
The resolution states that “payment of funds, other financial assets or economic resources, and the provision of goods and services necessary to ensure the timely delivery of such assistance or to support such activities are permitted”.
The foreign minister also pointed out the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s tweet wherein he appreciated Pakistan’s stance and also Saudi Arabia for convening the extraordinary meeting which would have positive outcomes.
The OIC Extraordinary Session on Afghanistan is a prime example of our collective determination and action to help those most in-need. We thank Pakistan for hosting this vital meeting & inviting the global community to continue cooperating to support the Afghan people. #OIC4Afg
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) December 22, 2021
He said the relaxation of the sanctions had provided an atmosphere for contact with Taliban and carry out the humanitarian services.
He further said the OIC session also succeeded in evolving consensus among the participants for appointing a special OIC envoy on Afghanistan humanitarian assistance, establishing a Trust Fund which also started receiving funds and launching a food security program.
Qureshi said he would also talk to the member countries to consider the option of establishing an air corridor or others to ensure an urgent supply of food.
Particularly appreciating the role of Saudi Arabia, the foreign minister said the OIC foreign minister’s extraordinary session held on December 19, proved to be a key to open up the avenue for support to the suffering people of Afghanistan.
