ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu on Monday discussed bilateral ties, regional peace and other issues of mutual interest.

The meeting between the two foreign ministers was held on the sidelines of 9th Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) Ministerial Conference being held on March 30 in Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe.

During the meeting, Mr Qureshi said Pakistan and Turkey enjoyed brotherly ties deeply rooted in religious, civilisational and traditional affinities.

Mr Qureshi observed that the establishment of a high-level strategic cooperation council had transformed the ties between the two countries into strategic cooperation.

FM arrives in Dushanbe to attend Heart of Asia conference

Both the ministers also discussed in detail the Afghan peace process and Foreign Minister Qureshi stressed that a permanent and durable solution to the Afghan issue could be achieved through a comprehensive dialogue led by the Afghan leadership.

He reiterated Pakistan’s sincere efforts for bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan, besides the whole region. The two ministers welcomed the holding of the HoA-IP conference which would contribute towards efforts for peace in Afghanistan.

Foreign Minister Qureshi lauded Turkey’s steadfast support to Pakistan over Kashmir issue and termed it encouraging for the oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kahsmir.

He said that holding of the conference was a manifestation of Turkey’s efforts for peace in the region.

The Turkish minister appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan and the whole region and extended full support to these efforts.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Qureshi arrived in Dushanbe to attend the 9th HoA-IP Ministerial Conference.

Upon arrival at the airport, the foreign minister was warmly received by Tajikistan Deputy Foreign Minister Huseynzoda Muzaffar, Pakistan Ambassador Imran Haidar, Deputy Ambassador Shahid Ali Sehar and other officials.

The foreign minister will lead Pakistan’s delegation at the conference, besides holding meetings with his Tajik counterpart Sirodjidin Muhriddin and Tajik leadership.

During these meetings, the two sides would discuss bilateral ties and cooperation in diverse fields.

Meetings with other foreign ministers from key members countries are also a part of the foreign minister’s schedule.

The visit by the foreign minister to Tajikistan is expected to further enhance ties between the two countries.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2021