On Wednesday August 25, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon received Pakistani Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who arrived in Dushanbe on a short working visit.
In the course of the talks, Rahmon and Qureshi discussed a wide range of issues related to state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Pakistan in various areas, according to the Tajik president’s official website.
They reportedly also exchanged views on a number of international and regional issues being of mutual interest.
A special attention was given to the current situation in Afghanistan. The parties noted that the evolving situation in Afghanistan was one of the main threats to the regional security.
It was noted that as a result of withdrawal of the international coalition forces from Afghanistan, the country today is on the brink of humanitarian disaster.
Tajikistan calls on international community to take urgent measures to establish peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The indifference of the international community to the current situation in Afghanistan could lead to a protracted civil war in this country.
Pakistani Foreign Ministry says Foreign Minister Qureshi conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Imran Khan and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthen relations in all areas of mutual interests.
On the regional security situation, the Foreign Minister reportedly shared Pakistan’s perspective on the latest situation in Afghanistan.
Highlighting that both Pakistan and Tajikistan would benefit immensely from a peaceful and stable Afghanistan in terms of enhanced economic cooperation and connectivity, the Pakistani foreign minister underlined importance of coordinated approach to realize shared objectives of a connected region.
President Rahmon reportedly welcomed Foreign Minister and concurred on coordinated approach on the evolving situation in Afghanistan. He said that he looked forward to receive Prime Minister Imran Khan at SCO Summit in September 2021 in Dushanbe.
Meanwhile, Pakistani media reports say Dushanbe is the first leg of Qureshi’s four-nation tour. After Tajikistan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi will visit Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran.
Pakistani foreign minister is leaving Dushanbe for Tashkent today afternoon.
The International News says the foreign minister's visit is aimed at holding consultation with the neighboring countries to adopt a joint strategy to cope with the challenges faced by the region in view of the developing situation in Afghanistan.
The regional tour of the Pakistani minister is being considered important amid the tense situation in Afghanistan and the ongoing talks to form an inclusive government after the ouster of the Ashraf Ghani government.
“During the visit, the foreign minister will have high-level interactions to exchange views on the evolving situation in Afghanistan and on enhancing bilateral relations,” the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
