ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said Pakistan desires a broad-based, long-term, and sustainable relationship with the United States for promotion of economic cooperation and regional peace.
The minister was speaking to the visiting US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman who arrived in Islamabad. Qureshi stressed that a regular and organized dialogue between the two countries is important to promote bilateral relations as well as to achieve shared regional objectives.
The foreign minister expressed confidence that the new Afghan setup will work for peace and stability as well as for the betterment of its people. He noted that a representative and broad-based Afghan government can be a trustworthy partner for the international community. He said both the United States and Pakistan have commonality of views on Afghanistan.
He said the international community should positively engage with Afghanistan and provide humanitarian and financial resources to it. He said concrete steps should be taken to build a sustainable economy in Afghanistan and address the difficulties of Afghan people.
Alluding to the serious human rights violations in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Shah Mahmood Qureshi called for resolution of Kashmir dispute for durable peace and stability in South Asia.
The US Deputy Secretary of State commended Pakistan’s help in evacuation of American and other nationals from Afghanistan, and its consistent efforts for peace in the region. She also expressed her deep grief and sorrow over the human and material loss in Balochistan’s earthquake.
US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman arrived in Pakistan on a two-day official visit. She was welcomed by foreign ministry officials and American diplomats at the airport.
Accompanied by a seven-member delegation, Sherman will hold formal meetings with the Pakistani leaders to take up Afghanistan issue. After CIA chief William Burns, Sherman is the high-level official under President Joe Biden to visit Islamabad.
The foreign affairs ministry has directed the CAA to exempt the US delegation from the Covid test on arrival and the availability of State Lounge for the delegation.
