ISLAMABAD, AUG 21 /DNA/ – In a telephone conversation today, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed the situation in Afghanistan.

The Foreign Minister of Pakistan emphasized that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was of critical importance for Pakistan and the region. Pakistan had consistently supported the Afghan peace process.

He added that Pakistan and Russia, as part of Troika Plus, had made valuable contributions to these efforts. The two Foreign Ministers agreed to continue working closely through the Troika Plus format.

Foreign Minister Qureshi stressed the importance of ensuring safety and security as well as protection of rights of all Afghans.

The Foreign Minster further highlighted that an inclusive political settlement was the best way forward for peace and stability in Afghanistan. Pakistan was fully supporting efforts in that direction.

The Foreign Minister also apprised his Russian counterpart of Pakistan’s outreach to regional countries for consultations on dealing with the challenges arising out of developments in Afghanistan.

Foreign Minister Qureshi also informed Foreign Minister Lavrov that upon request of several governments, Pakistan was facilitating evacuation of their diplomatic personnel, staff of international organizations, media and others from Afghanistan.

On the bilateral plane, Foreign Minister Qureshi expressed satisfaction at the upward trajectory of Pakistan-Russia relations. He reiterated the Government’s resolve for early implementation of the agreement on Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline Project.

The two Foreign Ministers agreed to boost bilateral cooperation in different areas, enhance high level exchanges and remain in close contact on matters relating to Afghanistan.