ISLAMABAD/ Tehran - Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Tuesday emphasised enhanced economic integration and regional connectivity for peace and prosperity in the region.
Addressing a joint news conference with his Iranian counterpart Dr Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Tehran on Tuesday, he said the interests of Pakistan and Iran are allied. Shah Mahmood Qureshi said both the countries want peace, stability and prosperity in the region and realise that we have important role to play.
He said history will judge us because Afghanistan is going through a critical period and people of Afghanistan deserve peace and tranquility. Shah Mahmood Qureshi said we as neighbors stand by them in these difficult times.
He said he shared with his Iranian counterpart the international expectations from the Afghan leadership and importance of international financial assistance to avert a humanitarian crisis and to avoid an economic collapse in Afghanistan. Shah Mahmood Qureshi said we also discussed the status of bilateral relations.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met with his Iranian counterpart Dr Amir Abdullahian today over a working luncheon at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran. Sharing his perspective on Afghanistan following his visit to Kabul on 21 October 2021, the Foreign Minister highlighted the urgent need to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan to stabilise economic situation. He reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to extend support to Afghan brethren by facilitating trade and movement across border.
Iran hosts 6-state moot on Afghanistan today
A six countries ministerial conference of neighbouring countries of Afghanistan plus Russia, hosted by Iranian government is set to begin in Tehran today.
"Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has reached Tehran from Riyadh where he will represent Pakistan in the second meeting of neighbouring countries of Afghanistan on October 27, 2021," Foreign Office Spokesman Asim Iftikhar Ahmed said in Islamabad. The spokesman further said the foreign minister will deliver a statement during the meeting, sharing Pakistan’s perspective on the latest developments relating to Afghanistan. The foreign minister will also interact with Iranian leadership and hold meetings with his counterpart as well.