Pakistani new FM offers dialogue to India, wants to visit Afghanistan

Source: Xinhua| 2018-08-20 18:58:59|Editor: Yamei
Video PlayerClose

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday offered dialogue to neighboring India as he insisted that bilateral engagement is the best option to find out solution to problems.

India had suspended bilateral dialogue with Pakistan in April 2016 after an attack on an Indian air base in January, which Delhi blamed on Pakistan-based militants. Pakistan had denied any involvement and offered cooperation in an investigation.

Qureshi told reporters that the Foreign Ministry has received a letter of felicitations for Prime Minister Imran Khan from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in which he has called for resolving disputes through bilateral talks and indicated the beginning of talks between the two countries.

"This is a positive development. There is a need for continued and uninterrupted dialogue with India," the foreign minister said, adding that Pakistan and India cannot afford any adventurism.

Pakistan and India have fought three wars, two over Kashmir, since their independence from the British colonial rule in 1947.

On Afghanistan, Qureshi said he wants to pay first visit to Afghanistan with a message of goodwill and friendship, and will soon speak with his Afghan counterpart on the phone to decide date for the visit.

"Pakistan and Afghanistan are inter-linked. I want to tell Afghans we need each other. I will travel to Afghanistan with a solid message to work together for peace and stability in both countries and the region," he said.

Responding to a question about China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the top diplomat said the new government will pursue the project, which he described as a "game changer."

He said he will discuss with his Chinese counterpart about the future initiatives to be undertaken under CPEC for socio-economic development of the country.

Qureshi said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf had supported CPEC when it was in the opposition.

To a question about relationship with the United States, the foreign minister said he will listen to the U.S. concerns and also put before them Pakistan's viewpoint.

He stressed that bilateral relationship should be improved on the basis of mutual respect and equality. He told reporters that he will represent Pakistan in the upcoming session of the UN General Assembly next month.

TOP STORIES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
MOST VIEWED
EXPLORE XINHUANET
010020070750000000000000011103261374048141