ISLAMABAD: Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi Tuesday saidthat being an important stakeholder in Afghan peace process, Pakistanwanted a ‘responsible’ withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.
He was addressing a joint press conference with his German counterpartHeiko Maas, who arrived here earlier today to hold discussions regardingregional peace and situation in Afghanistan.
Qureshi told media that he apprised Maas on the post Pulwama situation andthe steps Pakistan had taken to deescalate the situation.
He said that Pakistan had been saying for long that Afghan issue could onlybe resolved through dialogue and we are glad that now the world wasacknowledging our version.
He said however a responsible withdrawal of troops would be in betterinterest of Pakistan as well as the regional countries.
The German Foreign Minister said terrorism was a global challenge andPakistan had taken a lot of steps in that regard.
“Pakistan is playing an important role in Afghanistan, being a responsibleregional country also, we think that Afghan government has to be part ofthe process for a sustainable peace in the region,” he added.
“We feel that inclusion of Afghan government in every table talk isimperative,” he added.
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The German minister appreciated Prime Minister Imran Khan’s efforts forpeace and reconciliation within the region particularly in regard to recenttension between India and Pakistan.
Maas said that Germany recognized that steps were being taken by Pakistanin deescalating the situation. “We believe that Kashmir requires immediatesolution and both sides can contribute in resolving the long standingconcerning situation in South Asia,” he added.
Qureshi said that Pakistan had always stressed the need for a dialogue asit was the only way forward towards prosperity and development of thisregion. “Within India, the voices are rising to have a dialogue withPakistan over Kashmir issue,” he added.
Foreign Minister Qureshi said that both sides discussed the opportunitiesfor enhancing trade, economy and investment in Pakistan.
“The German investments coming to Pakistan are very encouraging. We alsodiscussed the increasing interests of Pakistani students in Germaneducational institutes and how both the Governments can provide assistancein visas process,” he added.
The minister said while discussing the economic opportunities, idea of aproper trade chamber was proposed and Pakistan believed it would be a greatstep forward in mutual economic relations.
