FM Qureshi leaves for China to hold meeting with foreign ministers of various countries

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday has left for China where he is scheduled to meet a number of counterparts of various countries on the sidelines of the Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Neighbouring Countries of Afghanistan.

In a statement to the press, the foreign minister stated that during his travel to China, he will meet with his counterparts from Central Asian countries, as well as Russia and Iran’s foreign ministers.

Regional challenges, peace, and stability, he said, will be discussed at these sessions. Issues relating to the region’s economic security, bilateral relations, and Afghanistan will also be discussed.

Pakistan has strong connections with all countries and wants to strengthen them, Shah Mahmood Qureshi asserted.

Read more: World should acknowledge Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace: China

Concerning Pakistan’s political predicament, the foreign minister went on to say that in a democratic society, the people make decisions.

He regretted that bribes were given out during the recent vote of no confidence, which he believes is bad for the future and democracy.

The foreign minister, who is also the vice-chairman of PTI, went on to say that they had informed MQM allies that PML-Q had opted to back PTI.

Note that Pakistan convened the Neighboring Countries format in September of last year with the goal of developing a regional solution to the Afghan crisis.

On September 8, 2021, Pakistan hosted the first gathering of Foreign Ministers from Neighboring Countries.

Earlier, the 48th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers was held in Islamabad, on 22-23 March 2022 where as many as 32 foreign ministers of different countries and more than 700 delegates have participated.

Read more: OIC’s intentions and actions

Pakistan hosted the second OIC conference in less than three months.

The two-day Ministerial Conference’s theme was ‘Partnering for Unity, Justice, and Development,’ and more than 100 resolutions were considered during the two-day session.