Pompeo, Qureshi discuss Afghan peace

ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke by telephone Tuesday afternoon and exchanged views on the current situation in the region, said the Foreign Office. It said Qureshi urged the US to play its role for resumption of dialogue between Pakistan and India to find solutions to all outstanding disputes.

As Islamabad prepares to receive US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad expected on Thursday, Pakistan and the United States agreed to continue with pursuing the Afghan reconciliation process.

Khalizad is presently in Kabul and has reached out to a cross-section of Afghan politicians and members of the civil society. He will use his visit to Islamabad to take into confidence the Pakistani civil and military leadership about his latest efforts for an Afghan peace deal.

“Qureshi and Pompeo 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”, added the Foreign Office.

Foreign Minister reiterated that Intra-Afghan dialogue was an important component of the reconciliation process. “They also discussed bilateral issues. Both sides agreed that de-escalation was important for peace and stability in South Asia”, said the Foreign Office.

As tensions prevail between Pakistan and India, and intense firing at the LoC sees body bags being collected by both sides, Qureshi recalled and appreciated the role the US had played recently for promoting regional peace and stability. Reports spoke of three Pakistani soldiers being killed and seven taken out on the Indian side while 19 Indian soldiers were reported to be injured.

“He (Qureshi) appreciated US role and efforts in diffusing tensions in the region. He also briefed Secretary Pompeo about efforts and progress in the implementation of Pakistan’s National Action Plan”, said the Foreign Office statement.

Foreign Minister Qureshi informed Pompeo about the de-escalatory measures taken by Pakistan including the handing over of the Indian pilot. He also urged US to play its role for resumption of dialogue between Pakistan and India to find solutions to all outstanding disputes.