![](https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/Pak-Iran1635269263-0/Pak-Iran1635269263-0.jpg)
ISLAMABAD:
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday met his Iranian counterpart Dr Hussein Amir Abdollahian at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran and discussed the situation in Afghanistan besides matters of mutual interest.
According to an official statement, the two ministers met at a working luncheon. It added that Special Representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, Ambassador of Pakistan to Iran Rahim Hayat Qureshi and other senior officials accompanied FM Qureshi.
Recalling Pakistan’s initiative to evolve the regional approach on Afghanistan, Qureshi remarked that his visit of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Iran led to the first meeting of the neighbouring countries of Afghanistan, which was held virtually on September 8 this year.
Good to be in #Iran for second Ministerial meeting of neighbouring countries of Afghanistan. Met FM @Amirabdolahian & discussed urgent need to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan to stabilise eco situation. Bilaterally, we are committed to enhanced ties in all areas. pic.twitter.com/wHAhJHHqw1
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) October 26, 2021
He highlighted the importance of close coordination between the two countries, adding that joint efforts would achieve shared objective of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.
Also read: FM Qureshi calls for effective steps by int’l community for durable Afghan peace
Sharing his perspective on Afghanistan following his visit to Kabul on October 21, the foreign minister highlighted the urgent need to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan to stabilise economic situation.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to “extend support to Afghan brethren by facilitating trade and movement across the border”.
In the bilateral context, FM Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhance bilateral relations in all areas, adding that Pakistan considered Iran a close neighbour and important country.
He also appreciated Iran’s steadfast support on the Kashmir issue, specially at the highest level.
Dr Abdollahian thanked Qureshi for accepting the invitation to participate in the second meeting of the neighbouring countries of Afghanistan, to be held on Wednesday (Oct 27) and reaffirmed the importance of close coordination on Afghanistan.
Also read: Iran ‘fully supports’ Pakistan’s regional approach on Afghanistan
He expressed hope for the success of joint efforts to help Afghanistan on its path to peace and prosperity and reiterated Iran’s full commitment to strengthen bilateral relations in all fields.
During his visit to Tehran, FM Qureshi will also meet his counterparts from Central Asian Republics participating in the meeting.
Earlier today, he reached Tehran to attend the ministerial meeting during the two-day official visit.
The first moot of the foreign ministers of Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries was hosted by Pakistan at the start of September this year. The forum comprised China, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.