ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Foreign Minister of Spain Jose Manuel Albares Bueno has appreciated Pakistan’s role in the facilitation of international evacuation endeavors from Afghanistan.
The appreciation came in a meeting between the visiting Spanish foreign minister and the Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Friday.
During the talks, views were exchanged on the latest developments in Afghanistan.
The Pakistan-Spain bilateral relations including cooperation in international fora were part of the parleys.
Good to welcome FM @jmalbares on his first visit to Pakistan & in the same year we celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Spain. Together we are resolved to strengthen cooperation for peace/stability in the region & work closely to deepen bilateral ties. pic.twitter.com/rrN0LSQBgu
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) September 10, 2021
The Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pakistan as an immediate neighbor of Afghanistan had paid the immense price because of prolonged conflict and instability next door. As such, peace and stability in Afghanistan were in the best interest of Pakistan.
The foreign minister hoped that the new dispensation in Afghanistan will undertake concerted efforts for peace and security and work towards taking care of the humanitarian and development needs of the Afghan people.
Qureshi underscored that the international community must remain engaged and that the people of Afghanistan should not be abandoned. There was a need to urgently provide assistance to ward off a humanitarian crisis and to take steps to ensure economic stability. In this regard, releasing Afghanistan’s financial assets was also a necessary measure.
The foreign minister apprised the visiting Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares of his regional outreach on different aspects of the evolving situation in Afghanistan, which presented challenges as well as opportunities.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi also apprised his Spanish Counterpart regarding Pakistan’s facilitation of evacuation over of 12,000 people belonging to 30 Countries and international organizations.
On #Afghanistan, we believe peace and stability is critical for all & support and solidarity with Afghan people is vital. Addressing humanitarian needs & ensuring eco stability are of critical importance. The international community must act pragmatically and engage actively. pic.twitter.com/dupR00IX2a
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) September 10, 2021
The Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares agreed that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was key to regional peace, stability, and prosperity. He lauded Pakistan’s efforts in promoting these objectives.
In the bilateral context, the two foreign ministers discussed the entire gamut of Pakistan-Spain relations including cooperation in political, economic, trade, energy, and defence sectors.
They agreed on enhancing relations in all fields and stressed the importance of regular high-level exchanges.
Jose Manuel Albares also appreciated the positive contributions of the Pakistani community in Spain.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The milestone would be commemorated in a befitting manner through a series of events.
The Foreign Minister of Spain Jose Manuel Albares Bueno invited the Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to undertake a visit to Spain.
