ISLAMABAD: Russian President’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan Ambassador Zamir Kabulov, Friday, visited Pakistan, and exchanged views with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, on the recent developments, especially with regards to the Afghan peace process.
In a day-long visit, Ambassador Kabulov called on Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at his office, and according to a statement of the Foreign Office, the exchange of views covered recent developments especially with regards to the Afghan peace process.
“Foreign Minister Qureshi noted that both Pakistan and Russia have convergence of views on matters of mutual interest including an inclusive political settlement of the conflict in Afghanistan,” said the Foreign Office in a statement.
He underlined that Pakistan had consistently supported the Afghan peace process.
He highlighted Pakistan’s facilitation of the US-Taliban peace agreement and subsequent commencement of Intra-Afghan Negotiations.
The foreign minister expressed the hope that the intra-Afghan negotiations would lead to its desired objective of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.
Qureshi also underlined the importance of regional consultations, and appreciated the role of “Four Party Talks” in support of the Afghan peace process.
The Four Party Talks, involving Pakistan, China, Russia and United States, was initiated by Russia in 2019 aimed at supporting and facilitating the Afghan peace process.
“The visit of Ambassador Kabulov is part of Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach in support of the Afghan peace process. Besides the exchange of views on the Afghan peace process, the visit will contribute to further strengthening Pakistan-Russia bilateral cooperation,” the Foreign Office statement added.
During his meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the two sides exchanged views of matters of mutual interest, regional security situation particularly developments in the Afghan peace process.
“Zamir Kabulov, Russian Presidential Envoy to Afghanistan called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ,” said the ISPR in a statement.
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security situation particularly developments in Afghan peace process were discussed.
It stated that the COAS said that peace in both the countries is in greater interest of the region.
“The visiting dignitary appreciated the positive role being played by Pakistan for Afghan peace process and expressed that, Pak-Russia relations will continue to prosper manifolds. Both sides reiterated the commitment to enhance bilateral relationship,” it added.
The visit by the top Russian diplomat comes in wake of the new US administration had declared that it wants to review the US-Taliban peace deal signed with the Taliban by the former Trump administration in February 2020.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2021