ISLAMABAD - The European Union and Pakistan, supporting reconciliation in Afghanistan, believe there is no military solution to the 17-year conflict.
EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held talks on issues of mutual interest, including Afghanistan.
At a joint news conference with Qureshi in Islamabad on Monday, the EU official appreciated the various steps Pakistan had taken for promoting the Afghan reconciliation process.
Mogherini said there was a convergence of views between the two sides on Afghanistan, They ruled out a military settlement to the Afghan war, said the EU diplomat, who was on her maiden visit to Islamabad.
Issues of concern to both sides, including India, Afghanistan, Iran and terrorism, were discussed between the two sides. Mogherini called for action against terrorists for regional peace and security.
Qureshi and Mogherini agreed on the gravity of the threat posed by Islamophobia in the world, especially after recent attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, where 50 worshippers were killed.
Mogherini also met Prime Minister Imran Khan and In Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa. Khan said Pakistan valued its relations with the EU and all its member states.
The prime minister in his conversation touched on tensions with India and the role being played by Pakistan for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.
In her meeting with Gen. Bajwa at the GHQ, the EU foreign policy chief discussed the regional security environment. (Pajhwok)