Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo in Islamabad on Afghanistan peace mission

Newswire

Islamabad: NATO’s Senior Civil Representative Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo arrived in Islamabad this week on an Afghanistan peace mission.

This envoy met army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood.

In his meeting with General Bajwa, matters related to mutual interest, peace, and stability in the region and Afghanistan situation were discussed, said a military statement.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) said that there is a need for global convergence on Afghanistan to avoid the humanitarian crisis.

The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s role in the Afghan situation including successful evacuation operations and efforts for regional stability.

Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo also assured to enhance cooperation with Pakistan on Afghanistan and regular engagement by the NATO countries for all bilateral issues.

Earlier, the NATO delegation led by Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo held a meeting with the Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood in Islamabad.

During the meeting, the foreign secretary shared Pakistan’s perspective on the latest developments in the region and stressed the importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.

The foreign secretary also highlighted Pakistan’s facilitative role in the evacuation of the diplomatic personnel and staff of the Embassies and international organizations from Afghanistan.

Sohail Mahmood underlined that the international community must remain positively engaged with Afghanistan to avoid humanitarian crises and preclude mass exodus from Afghanistan.

Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo thanked the government of Pakistan for the assistance extended to the NATO allies in their evacuation endeavors.

The visit of the NATO delegation is part of the outreach to Pakistan. Pakistan values its relations with NATO, which are based on shared interests of peace and stability in the region.