ISLAMABAD: Top Afghan peace official Abdullah Abdullah on Monday kicked off his three-day visit aimed at seeking greater support from Pakistan with a “constructive meeting” with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

Mr Abdullah soon after his arrival visited the Foreign Office for the meeting with Mr Qureshi. In his comments about the talks, the Afghan leader said he had a “constructive meeting” with Mr Qureshi during which “intra-Afghan talks in Doha and strengthening bilateral relations” were discussed.

This is Mr Abdullah’s maiden visit to Islamabad after taking up the office of chairman of Afghanistan’s High Council for National Reconciliation. Therefore, Afghan peace process is high on his agenda in Islamabad.

“The visit will provide a unique opportunity for the two sides to exchange views on Afghanistan peace talks in Doha, & bilateral relations. I hope this visit will open a new chapter of mutual cooperation at all levels, especially on achieving a lasting and dignified peace in AFG,” Mr Abdullah had tweeted before setting off for the visit.

FM says Pakistan backs Afghan peace process, wants to open a new chapter in bilateral ties

Mr Qureshi in his conversation with Mr Abdullah assured him that much like Afghanistan, the Afghan peace process is also of “paramount importance” for Pakistan and that its success would ensure “socio-economic prosperity for all”.

Pakistan, which facilitated both US-Taliban agreement and the start of intra-Afghan dialogue, wants to use Mr Abdullah’s visit for a fresh start in ties with Afghanistan that have long been marred by mistrust.

“A conducive environment is being created and a foundation is being laid for long-term and sustainable ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” Mr Qureshi said in a televised statement.

“We want to open a new chapter in our bilateral ties,” he added.

The foreign minister told the Afghan official that Pakistan would continue to facilitate the peace process despite having fulfilled its commitment of bringing the two sides to the negotiating table. He, however, emphasised that it was for the Afghans to take decisions by themselves.

“It was now up to the Afghan leadership to seize this historic opportunity to bring an end to the decades long conflict and secure an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement,” he said, adding they would always find Pakistan standing by their side.

He also called for a reduction in violence in Afghanistan leading to ceasefire.

The foreign minister said all national institutions in Pakistan were on one page with respect to Afghan peace. “We all agree that Pakistan’s national interest is linked to Afghanistan’s stability, prosperity, and integrity,” he maintained.

Mr Qureshi stressed that mistakes of the past should not be repeated; nor past history should dictate the future course of action.

Foreign Minister Qureshi further underlined that there was a need to guard against the detrimental role of ‘spoilers’, both within and outside Afghanistan, who do not wish to see return of peace in the region.

APP adds: Mr Qureshi extended best wishes to Dr Abdullah in steering the peace negotiations to a successful outcome.

Reaffirming Pakistan’ steadfast support to the peace process, he said Pakistan had always maintained that there was no military solution to the Afghan conflict.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2020