LONDON: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who is on an official visit to the United Kingdom, had a telephonic call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to discuss bilateral relations and regional peace and security.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi briefed his American counterpart about the measures being taken by Pakistan in accordance with National Action Plan and initiatives being taken by the government to carry out economic restructuring.
He also spoke about steps that Pakistan has been taking for compliance with Financial Action Task Force action plan.
In this context, he highlighted the regulatory mechanisms that have been put in place to curb money laundering and terror financing practices.
The two sides also discussed the reconciliation process in Afghanistan and expressed a commitment to work towards bringing lasting peace in the region.
Foreign Minister underscored the importance of a peaceful Afghanistan as vital for regional peace and stability.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm resolve to play its positive role in this process and to support an intra-Afghan dialogue.
He also highlighted the Afghanistan Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity as a mechanism for strengthening bilateral relations between two countries and to have constructive engagement.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi underlined the high importance that Pakistan attaches to peace with all its neighbors.
He also reiterated the priority attached by the government of Pakistan to resolve all outstanding disputes through dialogue and engagement.
Later in the day, the foreign minister addressed a delegation of the Pakistani business community in the British capital. He persuaded the Pakistani diaspora to invest in their homeland and benefit from the newly-implemented business-friendly policies of the incumbent government.
He also shed light on the steps taken to promote the entrepreneurial culture and attract foreign investment and said that the government has introduced a “new visa regime for [foreign] investors” and also promoting tourism sector on priority basis to help put the country back on the track of prosperity.
Qureshi noted that Pakistan has to become financially strong to have an independent foreign policy. He said the government has been pursuing economic diplomacy ever since it has assumed office.
Qureshi reiterated the welfare of the overseas Pakistani community is the top priority of the PTI government.
The delegation congratulated the foreign minister for pursuing a dynamic foreign policy and assured him of their cooperation.
