By APD writer Muhammad Sohail

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 28 (APD) – Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Sunday that Pakistan desires peace in the region, which is not possible without dialogue, local media reported.

Talking to media in his hometown city Multan, the minister said that Pakistan has pursued regional peace by reaching out to different countries and advocating for a stable and peaceful South Asia.

The foreign minister’s statement came following the successful negotiation between the United States and Taliban over peace deal and withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan.

He emphasized on the critical role played by Pakistan in the process and asserted that Pakistan remained committed for peace in Afghanistan, and successfully convinced Taliban leaders to hold talks with U.S. officials on the negotiating table.

“Thereby, a new chapter of Pakistan’s relations with the US has been started,” he said, adding that war is not the solution to any of the problems in the region.

He told the media that he had a productive meeting with US Senator Lindsey Graham during his visit to Pakistan a few days ago, and said that Graham had agreed that talks and negotiations were the only solutions to peace in Afghanistan.

Qureshi said that he will go to Oman on Tuesday where he is expected to discuss the entire spectrum of bilateral and regional cooperation with Omani leadership.

The foreign minister also said that he would visit London on February 3 where he will present Pakistan's stance on the regional peace.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)