Pakistan, Tajikistan to adopt cohesive approach on evolving Afghan situation

DUSHANBE (Tajikistan), Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon on Wednesday agreed to the proposal of Pakistan to adopt a cohesive approach in achieving the common goals of peace and prosperity in Afghanistan.

The development came as Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a meeting with the Tajik president on the current situation in Afghanistan.

“Presient Emomali welcomed Foreign Minister and concurred on a coordinated approach on the evolving situation in Afghanistan,” the Foreign Office said, as Qureshi met the Tajik leadership during his first leg of the four-nation tour.

On regional security, the foreign minister shared Pakistan’s perspective on the latest situation in Afghanistan.

Stressing that both Pakistan and Tajikistan would benefit immensely from a peaceful and stable Afghanistan in terms of enhanced economic cooperation and connectivity, he underlined the importance of coordinated approach to realise shared objectives of a “connected region”.

The foreign minister conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Imran Khan and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthen relations with Tajikistan in all areas of mutual interests.

President Emomali said he looked forward to receiving Prime Minister Imran Khan at the SCO Summit in September 2021 in Dushanbe.

Earlier, Qureshi and his Tajik counterpart Sirojiddin Muhriddin reviewed the latest developments in Afghanistan.

Foreign Minister Qureshi apprised his Tajik counterpart of Pakistan’s policy to support an inclusive political solution in Afghanistan and expressed hope that Afghan leaders would achieve a workable solution. He also underscored the importance of continued international engagement as shared responsibility.

FM Muhriddin appreciated Pakistan’s initiative to reach out to neighbours of Afghanistan for a coordinated approach.

During the meeting, the two foreign ministers welcomed the frequent high-level interaction which had led to further strengthening of bilateral relations and commonality of views on matters of mutual interests.

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met with Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov, today in Tashkent.

Foreign Minister Qureshi exchanged views on ways and means with his Uzbek counterpart 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.

During the meeting, regional security situation, particularly the evolving situation in Afghanistan came under discussion. Emphasising Pakistan’s support for an inclusive political setup, the Foreign Minister remarked that peace in Afghanistan 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.

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.