Qureshi underscores need for peace in Afghanistan

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi received his German counterpart, Heiko Maas, at the Foreign Office during the latter's brief visit to Islamabad.

In a statement, the FO said that Qureshi underlined the importance of regular high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Germany and maintaining a steady upward trajectory in the relationship. "

The two foreign ministers reviewed bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. FM

Qureshi underscored the importance of enhancing mutual cooperation, and collaboration to combat the pandemic in a holistic manner. He thanked the German side for its efforts to ensure earliest possible provision of vaccine through the COVAX initiative," the statement said. He also highlighted Pakistan's shifting focus from geo-politics to geoeconomics. The statement noted that both countries enjoyed cordial relations based on shared interests and the two foreign ministers have regularly interacted at the bilateral and international levels and forums.

The Afghan peace process was also discussed during the meeting. Qureshi apprised his German counterpart on Pakistan's "steadfast support for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan" and "positive contributions to the Afghan peace process," the statement said. "He underscored the importance of a responsible withdrawal and steady progress by the Afghan parties towards a negotiated political settlement. He added that all efforts must be made for [the] reduction of violence leading to [a] ceasefire.

"The foreign minister stressed that the Afghan stakeholders must engage constructively to work out an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political solution, through an Afghanowned and Afghan-led process," said the FO statement. FM Qureshi also cautioned against the role of "spoilers" and underlined the importance of commitment and perseverance in the efforts for peace. He added that peace in Afghanistan would yield significant dividends including enhanced trade and regional connectivity, the FO said.

Pakistan and Germany enjoy cordial relations based on shared interests. The two foreign ministers have regularly been interacting bilaterally as well as at the international fora.