ISLAMABAD - Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi left Islamabad for Tajik capital Dushanbe on the first leg of his four-nation regional countries’ visit aimed at consulting the regional leaders on the evolving situation in Afghanistan. Qureshi is carrying a special message of Prime Minister Imran Khan on Afghanistan which he would share with the leadership of Central Asian countries as well as Iranian leadership. Prior to departure, the foreign Minister met Prime Minister Imran Khan and took instructions from him on his meetings with the leaders of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan and Iran. “I am undertaking visits to Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran from 24-26 August”, the foreign minister told The Nation in response to a question. Pakistan Special representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq and other senior officials of the foreign office are accompanying the foreign minister.

In the consultations, Qureshi said, he would share Pakistan’s perspective on the latest developments in Afghanistan. 

“Pakistan believes that the neighbouring countries have a vital stake in the peace, security and stability of Afghanistan and the region, therefore, it is important to coordinate closely with the neighbours to address common challenges and advance shared goals of peace, security, stability and regional connectivity”, remarked the foreign minister.

In the bilateral context, the foreign minister’s visit to these countries will build on the recent high-level exchanges to further intensify close cooperative relations.

After visiting Tajikistan, the foreign minister would visit Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. He would reach Tehran on the evening of 25th August, where he would meet the new President of Iran besides meeting his counterpart.