FM: Aid to Afghanistan must be free from political conditions


(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has stressed the strength of bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. 

In a joint press conference with the Pakistani Minister of Foreign Affairs H E  Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, yesterday in Islamabad, Sheikh Mohammed said that Pakistan is a strategic partner of the State of Qatar; the partnership goes beyond Politics to include defence, economy, and trade.

He expressed hope for strengthening bilateral cooperation in all fields to achieve the aspirations of the people of the two countries.

He thanked Pakistan for supporting the Qatari mediation efforts in Afghanistan, noting that Pakistan played a significant role before and after the recent developments in Afghanistan. He stressed that Qatar and Pakistan have a shared vision for a stable and prosperous Afghanistan as soon as possible.

During the press conference, Sheikh Mohammed stressed the importance of providing humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan and assistance in light of the current conditions, noting that providing humanitarian aid in Afghanistan must be independent and separate from any political calculations.

He said that he briefed the Pakistani side on the developments at the Kabul International Airport and thanked the Taliban for seeing the positive promises fulfilled on the ground and reflected in actions.  He added:“We encourage the Taliban to be more comprehensive and bring Afghans together all under one national umbrella.” He also expressed the thanks and support of the State of Qatar to the countries neighbouring Afghanistan, expressing hope for the continuation of cooperation to achieve peace in Afghanistan.

Before the press conference with his counterpart Qureshi, the Foreign Minister met the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan H E Imran Khan, and reviewed the bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries and the developments in Afghanistan.

The Pakistani PM expressed his country's thanks and appreciation to Qatar for its efforts and support for the peace process in Afghanistan and its pivotal role in facilitating evacuations from Afghanistan.

The visit comes within the State of Qatar's efforts to contribute to achieving comprehensive peace and lasting stability in Afghanistan. 

He also met separately with the H E Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Chief of Army Staff of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan General H E Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The two Pakistani officials expressed Pakistan's thanks and appreciation to Qatar for its efforts and support for the peace process in Afghanistan and its pivotal role in facilitating evacuations from Afghanistan.

The Pakistani Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed the close cooperation between his country and Qatar in global and regional forums. He pointed out that there is continuous cooperation and consultation between the two countries on developments in Afghanistan, stressing the importance of exchanging constant consultations. He praised Qatar's role in regional peace processes, especially in Afghanistan.

He said that the two countries have a unified vision that seeks to achieve peace, stability, and prosperity for the Afghan people, adding,“we are partners to achieve peace in Afghanistan.”
Qureshi said:“Our common goal in Afghanistan focuses on protecting the rights and gains of the Afghans, and ensuring their safety and security, and that the current challenge is to avoid any humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.”

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The Peninsula

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