Pakistan Making Efforts For 'Regional Consensus' On Afghanistan: FM Qureshi Tells China

<p><strong>Islamabad: </strong>Amid tensions in Kabul post the Taliban takeover, Pakistan&rsquo;s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday informed his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi that he would be making visits to other nations to develop a &ldquo;regional consensus on the evolving situation in Afghanistan&rdquo;.</p> <p>This comes as Pakistan has so far maintained that the decision to recognise the Taliban regime in Afghanistan should be a regional one.</p> <p>A statement issued by Pakistan&rsquo;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Qureshi shared the details of his upcoming visits with Yi during a telephone call, adding that both the foreign ministers agreed to remain in contact on shared interests, particularly the Afghanistan situation.</p> <p>Qureshi shared with his Chinese counterpart the details of a recently held National Security Committee (NSC) meeting, which was chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan.</p> <p><strong>READ</strong>: <strong><a href="https://ift.tt/2UwGu4C Taliban LIVE: Afghan Embassy In Tajikistan Wants Interpol To Detain Ashraf Ghani For 'Treasury Theft'</a></strong></p> <p>The NSC, according to the statement, was convened to discuss Pakistan's future strategy on Afghanistan.</p> <p>Qureshi in tune with decisions taken during the NSC meeting emphasized on an &ldquo;inclusive political settlement&rdquo; in Afghanistan, for which he said all Afghans would have to work together.</p> <p>&ldquo;A peaceful and stable Afghanistan was of critical importance for Pakistan and the entire region,&rdquo; the statement quoted Qureshi as saying, Dawn reported.</p> <p>The Federal Minister also called for the international community to continue its support for the people of Afghanistan, particularly the provision of economic assistance.</p> <p>The telephonic conversation between Qureshi and Yi is the latest development in Islamabad&rsquo;s efforts to build a regional consensus on the situation in Afghanistan.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>China had following the country&rsquo;s takeover by the Taliban earlier said it is ready to deepen &ldquo;friendly and cooperative&rdquo; relations with Afghanistan.</p> <p>&ldquo;The Taliban have repeatedly expressed their hope to develop good relations with China, and that they look forward to China's participation in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan,&rdquo; a Chinese government spokesperson said earlier on Monday.</p> <p>Calling on the Taliban to &ldquo;ensure a smooth transition&rdquo; of power, the spokesperson had asked the insurgent group to keep its promises to negotiate the establishment of an &ldquo;open and inclusive Islamic government&rdquo; and ensure the safety of Afghans and foreign citizens.</p>