US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken met with the visiting Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on the sidelines of the 76th UN General Assembly and discussed the way forward in Afghanistan, stressing the importance of the countries to work together on the issue.
Blinken reiterated the importance of coordinating our diplomatic engagement and facilitating the departure of those wishing to leave Afghanistan. The Secretary noted that the United States appreciates Pakistan's support and assistance with both of these efforts, Price said.
The Taliban swept across Afghanistan last month, seizing control of almost all key towns and cities in the backdrop of withdrawal of the US forces that began on May 1.
Qureshi, in his first meeting with Blinken, said that the world should not repeat the mistake of disengaging with Afghanistan, Geo TV news reported. Qureshi had last spoken to Blinken on the phone on August 16. "We have to find a way of collectively working to achieve our common objective, which is peace and stability,” Pakistan’s foreign minister added.
As per a press release from the foreign minister’s office, the meeting that close engagement between Pakistan and the United States had always been mutually beneficial and a factor for stability in South Asia. Qureshi expressed Pakistan’s desire to be committed to facilitating efforts for an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan.
Acknowledging a new political reality in Afghanistan, Qureshi noted that only a stable and diverse Afghan government will be able to ensure that the nation does not become a base for transnational terrorist groups. Qureshi also pointed out how resolving the Kashmir issue is important for lasting peace and stability in South Asia.
While and other nationals from Afghanistan. "I think there is very strong unity of approach and unity of purpose," Blinken said.
"The Taliban says that it seeks legitimacy, that it seeks to support, from the international community. The relationship that it has with the international community is going to be defined by the actions it takes," he added. The US State Department said, Blinken, in his meeting with Qureshi, highlighted "the importance of coordinating our diplomatic engagement.”
