Qureshi, Ghani discuss bilateral ties, regional peace

Qureshi, Ghani discuss bilateral ties, regional peace

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi during a daylong visit to Kabul today (Saturday) held a one-on-one meeting with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

Both the leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as the issues pertaining to regional peace and security during the meeting.

The statement issued after the meeting said the two sides discussed security, regional peace and stability, joint fight against terrorism, and other issues related to Afghanistan Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity.

The Foreign Minister also held a meeting with Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and held delegation level talks with his Afghan counterpart Salahuddin Rabbani.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi led the Pakistani delegation.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was also present in the talks.

The entire gamut of bilateral relations and matters pertaining to peace and security were discussed during the delegation level talks. 

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s support for the National Unity Government’s efforts to bring lasting peace in Afghanistan.

He assured the Afghan leadership that Pakistan, along with other partners of Afghanistan, remained ready to play constructive role in facilitating an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process and reconciliation.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi underscored the importance of cooperation and coordination between the two countries in the areas of counter-terrorism and security and offered to train Afghan police and law enforcement agencies in Pakistani institutions.  

The Foreign Minister emphasized to maintain the upward trajectory in bilateral relations between the two countries through more high level visits during the upcoming months.

The two Foreign Ministers agreed on meetings of Joint Economic Commission, Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Coordination Authority, Steering Committee of the Joint Ulema Conference, and the working groups of APAPPS.

They also agreed to expedite matters related to providing necessary security to Pakistan Consulate General in Jalalabad to ensure its early operationalization.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi also invited President Ghani to visit Pakistan.