Pakistan, Spain to closely work on Afghan peace, region’s future

The Spanish foreign minister, in a joint press conference said, “We want to work very closely with Pakistan with a promise for the betterment of the region’s future”.

The Spain FM arrived in Islamabad this morning to exchange views with the leadership on the latest developments in Afghanistan and ways to strengthen bilateral relations.

Both foreign ministers led the delegation-level talks focusing on regional situation and diverse areas of cooperation between their countries.

Foreign Minister Albares said Spain acknowledged the leverage of Pakistan on Afghanistan and therefore, desired to maintain a close collaboration with it.

“We both want the same thing – peace and stability in Afghanistan,” he said.

The Spanish FM said his government would ensure the humanitarian assistance to reach the people of Afghanistan, adding that for this, “no condition would be made”.

“The aim of the Spain government is to ensure that the population of Afghanistan gets humanitarian assistance immediately,” he said.

He expressed hope that there would not be a spillover crisis in the region.

Foreign Minister Qureshi said as part of Pakistan’s efforts to improve situation in Afghanistan, he held 24 interactions with his counterparts during last three weeks and visited six regional countries since August 16.

Also, Prime Minister Imran Khan held interaction with 13 global leaders on issue of Afghanistan.

He said Pakistan wanted the international community to remain engaged to achieve the common objectives of peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan.

He recalled that the opportunity for reconciliation in Doha was disrupted by spoilers that did not allow the talks to reach a conclusion.

 “World must recognize the “new reality” in Afghanistan with the need for immediate focus on humanitarian crisis,” he stressed.

“The best way forward is the international engagement as opposed to isolation, which would not be helpful for Afghanistan and the region,” he added.

He mentioned that Pakistani aircraft had transported food and medicine to the people of Afghanistan, with more to continue in future.

FM Qureshi said the economic collapse of Afghanistan would not suit the region and the Afghans.

“The availability of resources is important to promote economic activity and freezing of Afghan funds will not be helpful,” he said.

The Spanish FM termed Pakistan a “very important partner” for Spain and the European Union.

He said over 10,000 Pakistanis living in Spain were positively contributing to the country’s economy, adding that “we are very happy to have them here”.

COURTESY: APP