Qureshi, Atmar hope Istanbul Process fruitful for Afghan peace

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and his Afghan counterpart Mohammad Hanif Atmar, in a telephonic conversation, discussed the ongoing Afghan peace process and expressed hope that the forthcoming Istanbul Process talks would result in lasting peace.

Foreign minister Qureshi has been in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on a three-day official visit. During the telephonic conversation, foreign minister Qureshi reiterated that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was in the interest of Pakistan, said a press release issued here on Sunday.

Qureshi said Pakistan shared all the peaceful efforts made for peace and stability in the region, including Afghanistan, and desired end to violent incidents in the country.

The foreign minister further reiterated that Pakistan would continue its consistent reconciliation efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan. He expressed the hope that under Istanbul Process, the Doha Agreement would be helpful in ensuring durable peace in Afghanistan.

The Afghan foreign minister appreciated diplomatic, political and moral support extended by Pakistan for a result-oriented Afghan peace process, and thanked Qureshi and Pakistani leadership in this regard.

Both the foreign ministers agreed to meet in Istanbul, Turkey, and Qureshi invited Atmar to visit Pakistan after the Istanbul process. They also exchanged Ramadan greetings.