TEHRAN: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday said that there needs to be a consensus among Afghanistan’s neighbours if the Afghan conflict is to be resolved.
He made the comments while talking to the media after a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister, Javed Zarif, in Tehran.
Asif, along with a delegation, reached the Iranian capital earlier on Monday to discuss regional issues, and matters pertaining to Pakistan-Iran relations.
“Afghanistan’s neighbours have to agree on joint ventures to solve the Afghan conflict. The purpose of visiting Iran is to get neighbouring countries on board over some issues,” he said.
Peace in Afghanistan is vital for regional stability, he said further, adding that American forces have failed to solve the Afghan conflict.
Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and National Security Adviser Lieutenant General (r) Nasser Janjua are accompanying the foreign minister on the visit.
Asif later held a meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and discussed issues concerning international and regional politics and security.
Asif, who previously served as the defence minister, shortly after the change of portfolio, visited China on a state visit. He held discussions on bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest in terms of regional and international strategies.
During his visit, he met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and held a joint press conference.
In the press conference, Wang emphasised China will continue its firm support for Pakistan in the war against terrorism, saying both the countries are steady anchors for peace in the region.
Pakistan’s decision to approach regional countries was made following US President Donald Trump’s recent ‘anti-Pakistan’ comments in a policy speech for South Asia.
