Islamabad, 21 March 2021 (TDI): Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights and the Head of the US delegation to the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting, Uzra Zeya, called on the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

The Foreign Minister thanked Uzra Zeya, as well as her delegation, for participating in the 48th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Co-operation that is being hosted by Pakistan.

Foreign Minister Qureshi underscored that the 48th OIC CFM had extraordinary significance because of the background of prospects and challenges for the Muslim world in the security, political, social, and economic realms.

He stated that the US delegation’s participation will enhance engagement between the OIC member countries and the United States. Likewise, he highlighted that Pakistan and the US had a broad-based and longstanding relationship.

Along these lines, sustained engagement between the two countries is paramount to fostering development, peace, and security in the region and beyond. Foreign Minister Qureshi accentuated that Pakistan was dedicated to expanding its ties with the US.

Furthermore, he pointed out that with geo-economics at its center, Pakistan’s National Security Policy focuses on regional connectivity, human development, and a peaceful neighborhood.

In this context, the Pakistani Foreign Minister invited US enterprises to invest in Pakistan and exploit the lucrative prospects offered by Pakistan. The exclusive Special Economic Zones that have been developed by Pakistan, offer countless possibilities to American investors for investment in Pakistan.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi also pointed out the grave human rights violations in IIOJK.  These violations perpetrated by India urgently demand the attention of the international community to hold India accountable for the crimes in the occupied territory.

In addition, he also enlightened about the so-called “accidental” firing of a missile from India into Pakistan’s territory. He stressed Pakistan’s call for a joint probe and underlined the necessity to assure that it does not happen again.

Foreign Minister Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s stance on Ukraine. He said that Pakistan has called for resolution of the Ukraine issue via dialogue and diplomacy compatible with the principles of the UN Charter.

Moreover, aside from the above the Pakistani Foreign Minister also underscored that both Pakistan and the US must persist to boost engagement for the sake of peace, and stability in Afghanistan along with averting the humanitarian crisis there.

Lastly, the two officials also agreed to befittingly celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the US and Pakistan this year.