Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, spoke to Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi over the phone on Saturday to discuss the evolving situation in war-torn Afghanistan.
The two leaders discussed the present situation in Afghanistan and measures to promote peace and stability in the country, according to a statement released by the Foreign Office.
Islamabad, according to FM Qureshi, will continue to play a constructive role in Afghanistan’s efforts to promote peace and stability.
He praised the UN’s efforts to addressing Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis, and emphasised the need of the international community being involved in Afghanistan, particularly by helping the Afghan people’s socioeconomic and humanitarian needs.
The UN chief thanked Pakistan for its support in enabling UN agencies’ operations and humanitarian missions in Afghanistan. In this respect, he sought Pakistan’s continued support.
The foreign minister promised the UN head that the UN will get all possible support in carrying out its mission.
He highlighted Pakistan’s support to the international community in the evacuation and relocation efforts. Pakistan will continue to help the UN in whatever manner it can, according to FM Qureshi.
FM Qureshi and UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs spoke about the Afghan situation.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi received a call from Dominic Raab, the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs.
During the telephonic discussion, topics of mutual interest, the current events in Afghanistan, and other topics were addressed.
FM Qureshi strongly condemned the terrorist attack near the Kabul airport, which claimed so many valuable lives, and said Pakistan was carefully monitoring the situation in the country.
He emphasized the need for safeguarding, security, and stability of all Afghans, as well as the protection of human rights. The best path ahead, according to the foreign minister, was for a political settlement to be inclusive.
FM Qureshi said that Pakistan was in contact with regional and international partners, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace. He underlined the critical importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan for Pakistan and the region in this context.
