ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and Iran on Tuesday urged the world to provide financial assistance to Afghanistan as a humanitarian crisis is looming.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian held a meeting in Tehran to discuss the Afghan issue.
Special Representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, Ambassador of Pakistan to Iran, Rahim Hayat Qureshi and other senior officials accompanied the Foreign Minister.
The two Foreign Ministers had extensive discussion on matters of mutual interest. Recalling Pakistan’s initiative to evolve regional approach on Afghanistan, Qureshi remarked that his visit of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Iran led to the first meeting of the neighbouring countries of Afghanistan, which was held virtually on 8 September 2021.
In the bilateral context, he reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhance bilateral relations in all areas, adding that Pakistan considered Iran a close neighbour and important country.
Qureshi appreciated Iran’s steadfast support on Kashmir issue, especially at the highest level.
Dr Amir Abdullahian thanked Shah Mehmood Qureshi for accepting the invitation to participate in the second meeting of the neighbouring countries of Afghanistan, to be held on October 27 2021 and reaffirmed importance of close coordination on Afghanistan.
Later, speaking at a joint news conference, the two FMs emphasised the need for an active response from the world on the situation in Afghanistan following the exit of foreign troops.
The two foreign ministers expressed unanimity of views on extending humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan.
Foreign Minister Qureshi urged upon the United Nations, the European Union and aid agencies to pace up their humanitarian assistance for the people of Afghanistan.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said Iran would continue its contacts with all parties in Afghanistan, adding that Iran’s security consultations with the Afghan interim government were underway.
“We are closely monitoring the developments in Afghanistan and believe that formation of an inclusive government with the participation of all the ethnicities in Afghanistan is the most significant political solution before us,” Amirabdollahian said.