ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had a telephone call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, where the two discussed bilateral relations and regional peace and security, a statement released by the Foreign Office (FO) late on Monday night read.
“FM Qureshi underscored the importance of a peaceful Afghanistan as vital for regional peace and stability,” it added.
Qureshi, who is on an official visit to the UK, also discussed the Afghan reconciliation process with Pompeo in addition to expressing Pakistan’s commitment to work toward peace in the region and it’s support for an intra-Afghan dialogue.
He also highlighted the Afghanistan Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS) as a mechanism for strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
“Foreign Minister Qureshi briefed Secretary Pompeo about the measures being taken by Pakistan, in accordance with the National Action Plan [against terrorism] and the initiatives being taken by the government to carry out economic restructuring,” the statement added.
He spoke about the steps that Pakistan has been taking in compliance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) action plan. “In this context, he highlighted the regulatory mechanisms that are in place to curb money laundering and terror financing practices,” the statement read.
Earlier this month on June 2, US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad visited Islamabad to seek cooperation from Pakistan on expediting the peace talks with the Taliban.
Following his meeting with Pakistani officials in Islamabad, the FO had said in a statement that “Pakistan counselled all parties to move toward the political solution... in Afghanistan,” with Khalilzad reiterating that Pakistan’s role was “crucial for lasting peace in the region.”
Qureshi holds talks with Pompeo on Afghan peace process, bilateral ties
Qureshi holds talks with Pompeo on Afghan peace process, bilateral ties
- Pakistan’s foreign minister says end of conflict in Kabul key for regional stability
- Briefs US Secretary of State on measures taken by Islamabad for economic restructuring
Pakistan to promote mineral sector at Saudi forum this month with 13 companies
- Delegation will take part in the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh from Jan. 13-15
- Petroleum minister will lead Pakistan, participate in a 90-minute country session
ISLAMABAD: Around 13 Pakistani state-owned and private companies will attend the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Saudi Arabia from Jan. 13 to 15, an official statement said on Friday, as the country seeks to ramp up global engagement to develop its mineral resources.
The FMF is an international conference and investment platform for the mining sector, hosted by mineral-rich countries to attract global investors, companies and governments.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik confirmed Pakistan’s participation in a meeting with the Saudi envoy, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki.
Pakistan hosts one of the world’s largest copper-gold zones. The Reko Diq mine in southwestern Balochistan, with an estimated 5.9 billion tons of ore, is partly owned by Barrick Gold, which calls it one of the world’s largest underdeveloped copper-gold deposits. Its development is expected to boost Pakistan’s struggling economy.
“Upon an invitation of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Federal Minister informed the Ambassador that Pakistan will fully participate in the upcoming Future Minerals Forum (FMF), scheduled to be held in Riyadh later this month,” Pakistan’s Press Information Department (PID) said in an official statement.
The Pakistani minister will lead his country’s delegation at the FMF and take part in a 90-minute country showcase session titled “Unleashing Potential: Accelerating Pakistan’s Mineral Revolution” along with local and foreign investors.
Pakistan will also establish a dedicated pavilion to highlight the vast potential of its rich geological landscape to the global mineral community.
The Saudi envoy welcomed Pakistan’s decision to participate in the forum and discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in the minerals and energy sectors during the meeting.
According to the statement, he highlighted the potential for cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in the minerals and energy sectors, expressing confidence that the FMF would provide a platform to expand collaboration.
Pakistan’s mineral sector, despite its rich reserves of salt, copper, gold and coal, contributes only 3.2 percent to the country’s GDP and just 0.1 percent to global mineral exports.
However, many countries, including the United States, have shown interest in Pakistan’s underdeveloped mineral sector, particularly in copper, gold and other critical resources.
In October, Pakistan dispatched its first-ever shipment of rare earth and critical minerals to the United States, according to a Chicago-based US public relations firm’s report.
