US, Pakistan to work together for 'meaningful progress' in Afghan peace process

ISLAMABAD: The United States and Pakistan on Friday agreed to "continue close coordination and cooperation" after the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan for "meaningful progress" in peace process in the war-battered country, said the foreign office in a handout circulated in Islamabad.
According to the official statement, the understanding was reached during a phone call between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken.
The two officials discussed the bilateral relations between their countries and reviewed significant regional developments.
"The Foreign Minister stressed that there was a fundamental convergence between Pakistan and the United States on the need for a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan," the statement said, adding that Qureshi also emphasized "securing peace in Afghanistan was the shared responsibility of all stakeholders."
The Pakistani foreign minister also reiterated his country's "commitment to forging a broad-based, long-term and sustainable relationship with the United States that was anchored in deep economic cooperation, regional connectivity and peace in the region."
Earlier in the day, Qureshi had warned of an impending civil war in Afghanistan while briefing the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.
He maintained that any infighting in the war-torn country could lead to another refugee influx and add to his country's predicaments.
The foreign minister maintained while the US was pulling out its forces from Afghanistan, it was willing to work with Pakistan on broader counterterrorism initiatives in the region.
In a separate presentation to the same committee, Pakistan's National Security Advisor Dr. Moeed Yusuf raised concern over Afghanistan's deteriorating security while warning that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants could enter the country as refugees to launch another terrorist attack.
According to the local media, he also maintained the situation in the neighboring country was "extremely bad" and beyond Pakistan's control.