JEDDAH — US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke on Friday with foreign ministers of Pakistan and Qatar over the telephone to seek cooperation for the Afghanistan peace process, according to the US Department of State. The calls came after the US troop pullout and amid reports that the Taliban have made huge territorial gains in Afghanistan, controlling about a third of the war-torn country. Pakistan's role in bringing about peace in the neighboring country assumes significance after the US departure. "Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed the importance of continued US-Pakistan cooperation on the Afghanistan peace process following the visit to the United States by Afghan President Ghani and Chairman Abdullah," the US Department of State said in a statement. Last month, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, who is the chairman of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation, visited the United States to discuss the next course of action after the withdrawal of the US forces from the South Asian country. Both Ghani and Abdullah underlined the role of Pakistan in securing peace and stability in Afghanistan in talks with US officials during their visit. According to the US statement, Blinken and Qureshi underscored the shared desire for a stable and sustainable bilateral relationship. They also highlighted joint efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, including the United States' recent donation of 2.5 million Moderna vaccines. According to an official Pakistani statement, Qureshi told Blinken that is committed to continuing its sincere efforts as a trusted partner with the United States for peace in Afghanistan. "We expect a responsible withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan to help bring the Afghan peace process to a conclusion, adding that establishing lasting peace in Afghanistan is a shared responsibility of the Afghan leadership, regional and global stakeholders," he added. Qureshi underscored that securing peace in Afghanistan was the shared responsibility of all stakeholders inside Afghanistan as well as key regional and international players, according to the Pakistani statement. Meanwhile, the US secretary of state also discussed the Afghanistan peace process with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman, according to the US State Department's statement. They also exchanged views on regional issues and Qatar's recent pledge of assistance to Lebanon. Blinken thanked the Qatari minister for his country's role in advancing peace and security in the region.
