Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to remain in close contact mutually in view of the emerging situation in Afghanistan. The understanding was reached at a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Uzbek counterpart Abdulaziz Kamilov in Tehran today [Wednesday].

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said close coordination among the neighboring countries of Afghanistan would help bring peace and stability in Afghanistan.

He said Afghanistan is facing a financial crisis; and keeping in view this critical situation, the international community should ensure humanitarian assistance to Afghans.

The Uzbek Foreign Minister stressed the need for continuity in contacts to achieve stability and avert economic collapse in Afghanistan.

Talking to his Tajik counterpart Sirojiddin Muhriddin in Tehran, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan is taking concrete steps to ensure humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan through air and land transit.

He stressed the need to help Afghan brethren at this hour of need.

They agreed that peace in Afghanistan is essential for the promotion of regional connectivity and stability.

Talking to Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov in Tehran today, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said implementation of different energy projects, including TAPI, would bring prosperity to the region.

The Foreign Minister said Pakistan desires to further strengthen relations with brotherly country Turkmenistan in all areas of mutual interest.

They agreed to continue close contacts between the two countries for further strengthening of bilateral relations.

The Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister thanked Shah Mahmood Qreshi for taking the first step in formation of a regional perspective.