ISLAMABAD, 22 August 2021, (TON): Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, in separate phone calls on Saturday, discussed the situation in Afghanistan with his Russian and Turkish counterparts Sergei Lavrov and Mevlut Cavusoglu, as well as Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen.

Qureshi, in his conversation with Lavrov, stressed that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was extremely important not just for Pakistan, but for the entire region.

He noted that Pakistan and Russia being a part of the “Troika Plus” which includes Pakistan, the United States, Russia and China, played a pivotal role in establishing peace in Afghanistan.

The minister emphasised that ensuring the security of Afghan citizens and protecting their rights should be the first priority in the current situation.

He said “the path to lasting peace in Afghanistan can be paved through a comprehensive political settlement.”

The two foreign ministers also agreed to continue mutual consultations in light of the changing situation in Afghanistan.

he OIC secretary general apprised the foreign minister of an extraordinary meeting of the organisation convened on August 22 (Sunday) to discuss the rapidly changing Afghan situation.