DUSHANBE – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Mohammad Haneef Atmar, on the sidelines of the fourth meeting of the Afghanistan Contact Group within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to discuss strengthening regional cooperation for the success of the Afghan Peace Process, Pakistan’s practical engagement on the joint fight against terrorism, and ensuring lasting peace and stability in the Afghanistan and the region.
Minister Atmar elaborated on the latest political and security developments in Afghanistan, calling the consolidation of regional cooperation along with the international community support to Afghanistan of vital significance to the success of the peace process.
Mr. Atmar termed the presence of foreign fighters and regional and international terrorist networks alongside the Taliban a major threat to the region and the world and emphasized practical cooperation between regional countries, particularly Pakistan in closing shelters and ceasing funding sources of the Taliban, and encouraging the group to resume meaningful talks and find a political solution to the success of the Afghan peace process.
The Pakistani Foreign Minister described Afghanistan’s instability as regional instability and assured Minister Atmar of Pakistan’s continued support to a stable Afghanistan.
He also stressed the importance of reducing violence and establishing ceasefire in Afghanistan and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to working to persuade the Taliban to negotiate and find a political settlement.
