Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has underlined the importance of regular high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Germany and maintaining a steady upward trajectory in the relationship.

He made the remarks during a meeting with German counterpart Heiko Maas at the foreign office in Islamabad today (Thursday).

Foreign Minister Qureshi stressed the need for enhancing mutual cooperation and collaboration to combat the pandemic in a holistic manner. He thanked the German side for its efforts to ensure earliest possible provision of vaccine through the COVAX initiative.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi apprised his German counterpart about Pakistan’s steadfast support for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and positive contributions to the Afghan peace process.

He underscored the importance of responsible withdrawal and steady progress by the Afghan parties towards a negotiated political settlement. He said that all efforts must be made for reduction of violence leading to ceasefire.

The Foreign Minister emphasized that the Afghan stakeholders must engage constructively to work out an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political solution, through an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led process.

Cautioning against the role of ‘spoilers’, the Foreign Minister said peace in Afghanistan would yield other significant dividends including enhanced trade and regional connectivity.

On the occasion, the Foreign Minister also highlighted Pakistan’s shifting focus from geo-politics to geo-economics, within the perspective of economic security paradigm.

Meanhwile, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi says Pakistan is desirous of peace and stability in Afghanistan which will result in enhancing the regional connectivity as well.

He expressed these views while talking to media after having meeting with his German counterpart Heiko Maas in Islamabad today.

The Foreign Minister said peace in Afghanistan will benefit the entire region, create employment opportunities and bring investment in Pakistan.

He said there are prospects of increasing bilateral trade volume with Germany.