ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke on the telephone on Saturday with the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen to exchange views on the rapidly changing situation in Afghanistan.
In a telephonic conversation with the OIC secretary general, the foreign minister underscored that Pakistan will continue to play its constructive role in promoting sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The foreign minister expressed the hope that Afghan parties would work for an inclusive political settlement. He noted that the success of negotiations in Kabul would not only benefit Afghanistan but also the region.
Spoke to Sec Gen @OIC_OCI Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen today. Shared 🇵🇰 commitment to continue playing a constructive role for sustainable peace in #Afghanistan. Emphasised importance of int’l community to stay engaged & to support Afg economy, reconstruction & rehabilitation.
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) August 21, 2021
The foreign minister stressed on the importance of ensuring the safety, security, and protection of the rights of Afghan people.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi emphasized that it was imperative for the international community to remain engaged with Afghanistan including by supporting the country’s economy, reconstruction, rehabilitation, and humanitarian needs. He added that it was also important for the Muslim Ummah to show its traditional solidarity with the Afghan people in their quest for a peaceful, united, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan.
Noting the significance of efforts towards establishing an inclusive government, the foreign minister warned about spoilers within and outside Afghanistan who wanted to take advantage of the situation in the country.
The foreign minister highlighted the role played by Pakistan in facilitating the evacuation and relocation of personnel of diplomatic missions, international organizations, media, and others from Afghanistan.
Qureshi expressed the hope that the talks in Kabul would succeed, leading to an inclusive and participatory government that would bring lasting peace, progress, and prosperity to Afghanistan.
The OIC Secretary General Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen apprised the foreign minister of the extra-ordinary meeting of the OIC Executive Meeting that has been convened in Jeddah at the level of Ambassadors/Permanent Representatives on August 22, 2021 (tomorrow) to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.
