ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have agreed to continue consultations in the wake of the evolving situation in Afghanistan. The understanding to this effect was reached during a telephonic conversation between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Ameer Abdollahian.

The two sides exchanged views in detail about latest developments in Afghanistan. The two foreign ministers also agreed on holding a virtual conference of Afghanistan's neighbours at the level of representatives in the upcoming days.

Speaking on the occasion, Qureshi said Pakistan attaches special significance to its relations with brotherly country Iran. In his remarks, the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abdollahian lauded Foreign Minister Qureshi's concerted efforts to evolve a coordinated strategy in the backdrop of the situation in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Pakistan hosted a virtual meeting of Special Representatives /Envoys of neighbours of Afghanistan on Sunday. Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq, chaired the session. China, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan participated. According to a press released issued by the Foreign Office, during the meeting, views were exchanged on the latest situation in Afghanistan.

Ambassador Sadiq, welcoming his counterparts, highlighted the importance of evolving a regional approach to address common challenges and to realise the new opportunities arising from a stable Afghanistan. He added that a prosperous and peaceful Afghanistan would provide impetus to economic integration, strong people-to-people linkages, enhanced trade, and regional connectivity. The Special Representatives/Envoys of neighbours of Afghanistan agreed to remain in close contact.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021