Both the leaders discussed bilateral relations and the situation in Afghanistan following the Taliban take over of the war-torn country.

The meeting, which lasted almost an hour, began at 1pm New York time at the Palace Hotel in New York City, according to Blinken’s schedule on the website of the US Department of State. This is the first meeting between the two top diplomats with Afghanistan expected to be in focus.

Both US and Pakistan said they will issue statements on the meeting later in the day. Blinken is also scheduled to give a press briefing at 4:45pm local time.

Following the meeting, Qureshi said he had reiterated Pakistan's focus on a relationship with the US based on trade, investment, energy and regional connectivity.

Met @SecBlinken & reiterated Pakistan's focus on a relationship anchored in trade, investment, energy & regional connectivity. On #Afghanistan, PM @ImranKhanPTI consistently stated there is no military solution & 🇵🇰 is committed to facilitating inclusive political settlement. pic.twitter.com/4t8cteLy9j

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) September 23, 2021

Although the two top diplomats have been in touch with since January this year, but this was their first face-to-face meeting in New York. which took place on the margins of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

They last spoke to each other by phone on August 16. The Foreign Minister, according to a press release issued by the Pakistani embassy, said at the meeting that close engagement between Pakistan and the United States had always been mutually beneficial and a factor for stability in South Asia.

He reiterated Pakistan’s desire for a balanced relationship with the United States that was anchored in trade, investment, energy and regional connectivity.
FM Qureshi also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating efforts for an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan.

He stressed that only a stable and broad-based government in Afghanistan, which reflects its diversity and preserves the gains made by the country since 2001, would be able to ensure that Afghan territory is never exploited by transnational terrorist groups ever again.

Noting that a new political reality had emerged in Afghanistan, the foreign minister said while the Taliban should be held to their commitments, the international community has a moral obligation to help the Afghan people deal with the growing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
He hoped that the world would not repeat the mistake of disengaging with Afghanistan.

The Foreign Minister highlighted the grave human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and underscored the importance of resolving the Kashmir dispute for lasting peace and stability in South Asia.

Secretary Blinken praised Pakistan’s support for the evacuation of U.S citizens and other nationals from Afghanistan, and its continued efforts for peace in the region, according to the press release.

Qureshi, Turkish FM review bilateral ties

Qureshi also met Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu of Turkey on the sidelines of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday and reviewed their close bilateral relations.

They discussed steps to further enhance cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey in all areas.

They also exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan as well as other regional and global issues.

Foreign Minister Qureshi thanked Foreign Minister Cavusoglu for the support extended by the government and people of Turkey to the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination, especially by President Erdogan including in his address to the UNGA session this year.

The foreign minister highlighted the need for sustained international engagement to support lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

In addition to calling for the urgent provision of humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people, the minister underscored the need for a coordinated approach to avert an economic collapse in Afghanistan.

Qureshi also highlighted that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan will contribute towards promotion of connectivity and regional prosperity.