ISLAMABAD, 14 July 2021, (TON): Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Uzbek counterpart Abdulaziz Kamilov discussed the regional security including Afghanistan peace process and human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

During a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Foreign Ministers (SCO-CFM) meeting in Dushanbe, the foreign minister briefed his counterpart on the rapidly transforming situation in Afghanistan and highlighted importance of consistent support to Afghan peace process as shared responsibility.

He underlined that the region could not afford a repeat of civil war, leading to instability and fresh influx of refugees.

The foreign minister expressed the hope that Afghan leaders, recognising the importance of international support for the Afghan peace process, would achieve a negotiated political settlement.

FM Qureshi is in Dushanbe, at the invitation of Tajikistan, to lead Pakistan delegation at the SCO-CFMs meeting.

The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on ways and means to enhance bilateral ties as well as discussed the regional situation.