FM Qureshi, Afghan Deputy FM discuss bilateral relations

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Idrees Zaman called on Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Deputy Foreign Minister Zaman is visiting Islamabad along with an inter-agency delegation to participate in the first quarterly review session of the Afghanistan- Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS).

 During the meeting, the exchange of views covered all aspects of bilateral relations and issues related to Afghan Peace process. The two sides agreed to further enhance cooperation through regular engagement and exchange of high-level visits by the leadership of the two countries.

 Foreign Minister Qureshi reassured the Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister that Pakistan remained committed to durable peace and stability in Afghanistan which is a pre-requisite for development and prosperity of Afghanistan and the region. He added that Pakistan also stood ready to help its Afghan brothers and sisters in post-settlement reconstruction and development of the country.

 Foreign Minister Qureshi underscored that APAPPS is a useful framework for comprehensive and structured institutional engagement between the two countries. He added that both sides needed to use this mechanism to enhance bilateral cooperation and synergize efforts for peace, security and prosperity in the region.

Foreign Minister Qureshi and Deputy Foreign Minister Zaman agreed that closer cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan will help unleash the true potential of both the brotherly countries.