De-escalation important for regional peace, Qureshi tells Pompeo

ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi agreed that de-escalation was important for peace and stability in South Asia during a telephone conversation on Tuesday.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they exchanged views on the current situation in the region and discussed bilateral issues. Qureshi informed Pompeo about Pakistan’s de-escalatory measures, including the handing over of the Indian pilot.

Qureshi also urged the US to play its role for the resumption of dialogue between Pakistan and India to find solutions to all outstanding disputes.Foreign Minister Qureshi said Pakistan-US ties were important for promoting regional peace and stability. He appreciated the US’ role and efforts in defusing tensions in the region. He also briefed Secretary Pompeo about efforts and progress in the implementation of Pakistan’s National Action Plan.

Both leaders agreed to continue to pursue the Afghan reconciliation process. They discussed Pakistan’s facilitating role and agreed that the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad’s forthcoming visit to Islamabad would provide an opportunity to further build on the gains made so far. Qureshi reiterated that intra-Afghan dialogue was an important component of the reconciliation process. He emphasised the need to enhance interaction at the leadership level.