FM Qureshi meets Uzbek president; discusses Afghan evolving situation
FM expressed hope that the Afghan leaders would work out an inclusive political solution
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mahmood Qureshi called on President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent on Wednesday.
He conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Imran Khan and referring to the Prime Minister’s visit to Tashkent in July 2021, reiterated commitment to enhance bilateral ties in all areas of mutual interests.
Foreign Minister Qureshi apprised the President of Uzbekistan on the latest evolving situation in Afghanistan and expressed hope that the Afghan leaders would work out an inclusive political solution which would lead to stronger trade and economic ties and strengthen linkages between the people in the region.
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev welcomed the Foreign Minister and termed relations with Pakistan important.
He remarked that Uzbekistan was keen to develop ties with Pakistan in all areas, particularly in transport and connectivity.
The Uzbek President concurred that regional connectivity, trade and economy will be further enhanced with the peace in Afghanistan.
He also looked forward to meeting Prime Minister Imran Khan on the sidelines of forthcoming SCO Summit in Dushanbe next month to discuss issues of mutual interest.
Foreign Minister Qureshi is visiting neighbours of Afghanistan to discuss regional situation, particularly the latest situation in Afghanistan and evolve coordinated approach.
Earlier in the day, FM Qureshi emphasizing Pakistan’s support for an inclusive political setup in Afghanistan said that peace in the country would bring stability in the region, promote trade and facilitate people to people linkages.
It was therefore important that neighbours of Afghanistan coordinate closely on the situation in Afghanistan, he added.
The Foreign Minister expressed these views during the meeting with his Uzbek counterpart Abdulaziz Kamilov here in the capital of Uzbekistan.
Foreign Minister Qureshi, who was in Tashkent on the second leg of his four-nation tour, discussed with his Uzbek counterpart the regional security situation, particularly the evolving situation in Afghanistan.
During the meeting they also exchanged views on ways and means to intensify bilateral relations in all areas.
The two Foreign Ministers agreed that in view of recent frequent high level exchanges, bilateral relations have transformed into a strategic partnership.
It was decided to follow up closely the implementation of decisions, taken during the recent visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Uzbekistan.
Welcoming the Foreign Minister, the Uzbek Foreign Minister highlighted upward trajectory in the bilateral relations.
Foreign Minister Kamilov termed Foreign Minister Qureshi’s visit important and timely in terms of close coordinated approach on Afghanistan.
The two Foreign Ministers agreed to continue consultations to advance shared objectives of a peaceful, prosperous and connected region.
