FM Qureshi, Wang Yi discuss Afghanistan peace process in Tajikistan

Pakistan and China on Wednesday held an in-depth discussion on the overall regional security situation, with a particular focus on the evolving situation in Afghanistan.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Dushanbe. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Tajikistan, the official communiqué stated.

During the meeting, according to the FO, the two foreign ministers took stock of existing fraternal ties with a view to further enhance cooperation in all areas of mutual interests.

“There was a consensus that in view of the latest situation, close coordinated approach is extremely critical to achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan,” the statement added.

It said that Qureshi briefed Wang Yi on Pakistan’s consistent efforts to facilitate the Afghan peace process. Both agreed to continue close coordination and agreed to meet in near future.

On this occasion, FM Qureshi offered condolences on the tragic incident in which a bus carrying Chinese workers plunged into a ravine following a blast and had resulted in the loss of precious lives of Chinese workers and Pakistani nationals.

The foreign minister added that the investigations are underway. He requested his Chinese counterpart to convey sentiments to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.

FM Qureshi felicitated his Chinese counterpart on centenary celebrations of the Communist Party of China and reaffirmed the resolve to strengthen cooperation, said the FO statement.

It said that Qureshi said that Pakistan and China are iron clad brothers. “Both the countries share a common understanding on various regional and international issues and had been supporting each other on issues of core interests,” the FO quoted Qureshi as saying.