Foreign Minister meets U.S. Secretary of State

Washington: Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo today in Washington, DC. They held wide-ranging talks on bilateral ties and regional issues.

The Foreign Minister said that close engagement between Pakistan and the United States had always been mutually beneficial and a factor for stability in South Asia. He stressed that a more robust trade and investment relationship is key to achieving President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Imran Khan’s shared vision for a long term and enduring partnership.

The Foreign Minister apprised Secretary Pompeo of the grave humanitarian situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said that peace in South Asia would remain elusive until India agrees to the resolution of the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir according to United Nations resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

The Foreign Minister expressed concern that the Indian government’s extremist Hindutva agenda and its belligerence on the Line of Control have created a dangerous situation in South Asia.

The Foreign Minister said that the convergence between Pakistan and the United States had created a unique opportunity for peace in Afghanistan. Highlighting Pakistan’s efforts for the Afghan reconciliation process, Foreign Minister Qureshi underscored that peace in Afghanistan was ultimately a shared responsibility.

Secretary Pompeo appreciated Pakistan’s support for political reconciliation in Afghanistan and its efforts for peace in the neighborhood.

The Foreign Minister, who is paying a visit to the United States in the backdrop of recent developments in the Middle East, reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace in the region. He briefed Secretary Pompeo on his discussions in Tehran and Riyadh. The Foreign minister said that any conflict will destabilize the region as well as the global economy.

Washington
January 17, 2020