Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday left here for China to participate in the third meeting of Foreign Ministers of Neighboring Countries of Afghanistan being held on March 29-31.
The visit of the foreign minister is taking place at the invitation of State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi.
Besides attending the Neighbouring Countries Ministerial meeting, the Foreign Minister will interact with counterparts from participating countries.
It may be recalled that Pakistan had initiated the Neighbouring Countries format in September 2021 with a view to evolving a regional approach on the situation in Afghanistan.
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Pakistan hosted the first meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Neighbouring Countries on September 8, 2021.
The Foreign Office said, “Pakistan fully supports a regional approach on Afghanistan for promoting durable peace and stability in the region”.
“Pakistan will continue to support the international community’s efforts to advance the shared objectives of a peaceful, stable, sovereign, prosperous and connected Afghanistan,” it said.
Earlier, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mahmood Qureshi while addressing a news conference with his Chinese counterpart said that Pakistan seeks to further strengthen bilateral relations with China. Talking about his meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister he also expressed that regional and global issues were discussed in detail with his Chinese counterpart, adding that the matter of aid to Afghanistan was discussed and various memoranda of understanding were signed with China.
While admiring China’s support to the country he stated that the Chinese Foreign Minister is attending the OIC Summit for the first time, we welcome his arrival.
China has always supported Pakistan in every forum, added Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
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The Chinese Foreign Minister on the occasion of Pakistan Day which is to be celebrated on March 23 presented good wishes to the government and people of Pakistan along with ensuring China’s support to Pakistan on International forums.
Mr. Yi stated that China wants to expand various development projects with Pakistan, including CPEC. China is committed to continue supporting Pakistan in international forums, adding that it is a pleasure for me to attend the OIC Summit.
APP with additional input by GVS