ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met his German Counterpart Heiko Maas at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Tuesday, and exchanged views on the latest developments in Afghanistan as well as bilateral relations.
Noting the strong momentum in Pakistan-Germany relations, Qureshi recalled the two visits by the foreign ministers in April 2021, their telephonic conversation of August 21, and other high-level exchanges.
Discussed latest devpts in #Afghanistan
➖We strongly condemn the terrorist attack by ISIS-K in Kabul
➖After Afghanistan 🇵🇰 has suffered the most due to 40 years of conflict and instability & a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is critically important for us. https://t.co/3phEGh8hym— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) August 31, 2021
The foreign minister shared Pakistan’s perspective on the evolving situation in Afghanistan.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that for Pakistan, the immediate neighbor who has suffered for 40 years from conflict and instability next door, a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was of vital importance.
The foreign minister underlined that the safety and security of Afghans and an inclusive political settlement would be important in this regard.
➖Pakistan has been extending all possible support to governments, EU and int’l orgs engaged in evacuation of their personnel from Afghanistan & we have facilitated evacuation of over 10,000 people belonging to /international organizations so far. https://t.co/bmzcKKpNTL
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) August 31, 2021
The Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi stressed the need for the international community to engage through positive messaging and constructive actions.
The foreign minister said that immediate steps were needed to address the humanitarian needs and ensure sustained economic stability. He added that measures must be taken to stabilize the security situation, preserve peace, and preclude any mass exodus.
Qureshi added that positive engagement with Afghanistan will help advance these shared objectives.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi also apprised his German Counterpart of his recent visit to neighboring countries of Afghanistan and his interaction with various Foreign Ministers.
The foreign minister added that Pakistan has been extending all possible support to foreign governments and international organizations in the evacuation of their diplomatic personnel, nationals, and others from Afghanistan.
➖ Bilaterally, we deeply value our longstanding relations with Germany, now in our 70th year of friendship. We will soon inaugurate the Consulate General of Pakistan in Munich & are working to establish Iqbal-Goethe Center in Heidelberg. pic.twitter.com/KtfsEBBWfb
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) August 31, 2021
In the context of bilateral relations, the foreign minister expressed satisfaction over growing cooperation in diverse fields.
Stressing high-value Pakistan attached to its relations with Germany, Qureshi underscored the resolve to comprehensively upgrade the overall relationship.
The year 2021 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Germany. A range of events are envisaged by the two countries to celebrate this milestone in a befitting manner.
