ISLAMABAD – “Pakistan has committed to do whatever it can for peace inAfghanistan,” said Sibghat Ahmadi, a spokesman for Ministry of ForeignAffairs. “He (Qureshi) described peace and stability in Afghanistan in theinterest of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the region.”
Presidential Palace in a statement said that Qureshi met with PresidentAshraf Ghani where thy discussed Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, bilateralissues, Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process and next steps afterintra-Afghan talks, TOLO News has reported.
Qureshi is expected to visit Iran, China and Russia.
Talking to media before his departure in Islamabad, Qureshi said Pakistanwants peace and stability in the region.
He said the aim of his visit is to take the friendly countries intoconfidence on recent developments in the region.
“Two days, four countries. We’re not slowing down as the year ends. I’vehad productive meetings with the Afghan leadership this morning. The peaceprocess is making positive headway. Next stop is Iran. Regionalconnectivity and a collective outlook is essential for progress,” Qureshitweeted.
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At the meeting, Afghan officials have called on Islamabad to put pressureon the Taliban to hold talks with the Afghan government in the next meetingwhich will be held in Jeddah next month.
“Pakistanis have also said that they are trying to bring the Taliban toconduct direct talks with the Afghan government,” added Ahmadi.
“We expect Pakistan to put pressure on supporters of those who are tryingto disrupt the peace process to avoid damaging the process and insteadpersuade the Taliban to hold talks with the Afghan government delegation,”said Sayed Ehsan Tahiri, the High Peace Council’s spokesman.
