FM reiterates Pakistan's consistent support to Afghan peace process

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mahmood Qureshi has reiterated Pakistan's consistent support to the Afghan peace process.

During a telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Hanif Atmar on Friday, he underlined that the Intra-Afghan Negotiations provided historic opportunity to achieve an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement in Afghanistan.

The minister urged Afghan parties to work constructively for the shared objective of a stable and peaceful Afghanistan. He underscored the need to remain cognizant of the challenges and impediments on the way, which could be overcome through patience, perseverance and persistence.

FM Qureshi reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to facilitate all efforts for a negotiated political settlement and in this context also underlined the importance of exercising vigilance against the role of "spoilers."

In the bilateral context, the Foreign Minister reiterated Pakistan's commitment to forge closer cooperation with Afghanistan in all fields.

He also emphasized the need for early conclusion of talks relating to the APTTA (Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement).

Foreign Minister Qureshi extended invitation to Foreign Minister Atmar to visit Pakistan at the earliest convenience.

During the telephone call, views were exchanged on matters of mutual interest, including Pakistan-Afghanistan bilateral relations and latest status of Afghan peace process.

Both the foreign ministers exchanged greetings and good wishes on the eve of Nowruz.