Qureshi talks Afghanistan with Dutch, Kyrgyz FMs

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has discussed the situation in Afghanistan with his Dutch and Kyrgyz counterparts.

Qureshi received a telephone call from Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra on Tuesday, reported the state-run news agency APP.

He highlighted Pakistan’s facilitative role in the evacuation of foreign nationals from Afghanistan.

The minister also spoke of Pakistan’s efforts to sensitize the international community about the need for urgent measures to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

He renewed Pakistan’s commitment to working together with regional and international partners for durable peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Wopke Hoekstra thanked Pakistan for its role in the evacuation of Dutch staff from Afghanistan and agreed to work together to enhance bilateral cooperation.

Also on Tuesday, Qureshi and Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev discussed the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Separately, Pakistani and Turkish officials held consultations on Afghanistan and other issues at the Foreign Office in Islamabad.

The Pakistani side was led by Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood, while the Turkish delegation was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Önal.

“The foreign secretary emphasised the urgent need for scaled-up humanitarian assistance and measures for stabilisation of Afghanistan’s economy,” the Foreign Office said.

Mahmood hoped the release of Afghanistan’s frozen assets would provide impetus to long-term sustainable development for the Afghan people.

He added sustained engagement with Afghanistan was important to advance the shared objectives of peace and stability in the war-hit country.