Blinken and Qureshi discuss Afghan peace process

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on Sunday and discussed the Afghan peace process among other issues.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, Qureshi reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire for a broad-based and comprehensive partnership with the United States that was anchored in close economic cooperation, enhanced regional connectivity and common vision for a peaceful South Asia.

Blinken meanwhile tweeted that he had a “productive call with Pakistani Foreign Minister Qureshi about progress on Pakistan’s counterterrorism commitments, continuing cooperation on Afghan peace, and supporting regional stability.

“I look forward to continuing to work together in partnership,” he said.

Qureshi meanwhile reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Afghan peace process but underscored “achieving peaceful political solution in Afghanistan was the shared responsibility of all Afghan parties as well as the key international and regional stakeholders,” a statement read.

“Underscoring the importance of responsible withdrawal, the Foreign Minister stressed that reduction in violence, permanent ceasefire, and seizing this historic opportunity to secure an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement was indispensable.”

According to the statement, Qureshi highlighted Pakistan’s “immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and the progress made in strengthening the anti-terrorist financing and anti-money laundering regimes. He reaffirmed the resolve to continue efforts in this regard.”