ISLAMABAD, 10 July 2021, (TON): Pakistan assured the US that it would remain a reliable partner for peace in Afghanistan, as there was a fundamental convergence between the two countries on the need for a peaceful settlement in the war-torn country.

According to the Foreign Office, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken by telephone and discussed bilateral relations and important developments in the region, including the situation in Afghanistan and efforts for a political settlement there.

It added “the foreign minister and the Secretary of State stressed the need for the two sides to continue close coordination and cooperation to ensure meaningful progress in the peace process.”

The statement said “the two sides also exchanged views on regional connectivity and other key issues.”

During the telephone call, initiated by Blinken, Qureshi highlighted the steps Pakistan had taken in support of the Afghan peace process, stressing that there was a fundamental convergence between Pakistan and the United States on the need for a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan.

The Foreign Office said “for its part, Pakistan will remain a reliable partner for peace in Afghanistan.”

The Foreign Office quoted Qureshi as telling Blinken. He underscored that securing peace in Afghanistan was a shared responsibility of all stakeholders inside Afghanistan as well as key regional and international players.