Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday urged the international community to come forward and extend cooperation to avoid any humanitarian crisis and economic collapse in Afghanistan.
“It is an important moment in Afghanistan’s history. The international community must remain engaged. Humanitarian assistance must flow. Do not let the economic collapse in Afghanistan take place,” he remarked.
Qureshi made the remarks while addressing a joint press briefing in Islamabad with German counterpart Heiko Maas. The foreign minister said that he had invited German foreign minister to visit Pakistan so he could assess the ground situation.
The Pakistan foreign minister believes the visit will allow Maas to get a clear picture of why it is important to stay engaged in Afghanistan.
“It will give you a very good holistic view of what the challenges are, what the concerns are, what the opportunities are, and what needs to be done in the days ahead,” the foreign minister said.
Qureshi also urged the international stakeholders to stay vigilant of spoilers in Afghanistan.
Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on the occasion that in coming days Germany would see if the Taliban will fulfill their commitment to form an inclusive government.
“It is important for us that all Afghans, even those who do not support the Taliban, feel represented by this government and it remains to be seen whether the Taliban take this into account.”
Foreign Ministers discussed bilateral relations
Earlier on Tuesday, the German FM was received by Qureshi on his arrival at the Foreign Office.
During the meeting, the Pakistan and German foreign ministers discussed bilateral and regional issues and ways to enhance mutual cooperation in various fields.
Qureshi highlighted the importance of promoting mutual cooperation and collaboration in different fields. He also briefed his German counterpart on “Pakistan’s shifting focus from geo-politics to geo-economics.”
FM Qureshi said that Germany has been an important investor in Pakistan and one of the leading trade partners in the European Union. “There are opportunities that Germany must avail in special economic zones.”
German FM thanks Pakistan for evacuating German nationals from Afghanistan
During the meeting, the German foreign minister also thanked Pakistan for successfully and safely evacuating German nationals and local staff from Afghanistan.
He said the German government was grateful for cooperation and receiving information from Pakistan, being the immediate neighbour of Afghanistan.
The German foreign minister also planted a sapling at the lawn of the premises.