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FM Qureshi, Pompeo discuss Mideast & Afghan reconciliation process

FM Qureshi, Pompeo discuss Mideast & Afghan reconciliation process
January 18, 2020
WASHINGTON (92 News) – Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called on US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday. In addition to the Kashmir issue, they exchanged their views on reducing tension in Middle East and the Afghan reconciliation process. During his meetings with other officials, the foreign minister also forcefully raised the Kashmir issue. Meanwhile, FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi called on US Adviser on National Security Robert C O’Brian in White House. They discussed the Pak-US bilateral relations in addition to matters of mutual interest. The minister also apprised Robert C O’Brian about his recent visits to the Gulf states. Pakistan Ambassador to the US Dr Asad Majeed Khan also accompanied him. Earlier, US Under Secretary of Defense John Rood called on the Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. During the meeting, the foreign minister and the Under Secretary discussed various aspects of Pakistan-US defense cooperation as well as the evolving regional situation. The under secretary briefed the foreign minister about the ongoing defense related cooperation between the two countries. The foreign minister apprised the under secretary about Pakistan's various efforts for peace and stability in the South Asian region. The foreign minister highlighted that defense and security cooperation has been one of the defining features of their bilateral cooperation. He said that the US decision to revive International Military Education and Training (IMET) programme for Pakistan had significant symbolic value and was a welcome first step in further reviving bilateral military cooperation. The foreign minister informed the under secretary about his recent visits to the regional countries to diffuse tensions and underscored the need for de-escalation and dialogue. He stated that Pakistan remained deeply concerned about the prospects of any instability in its neighbourhood and remained ready to play its due role in finding peaceful solution to the tensions between US and Iran.