ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Thursday said that Pakistan is hopeful that US-Taliban peace talks will come to a logical conclusion soon, leading to intra-Afghan negotiations and eventual peace in the country.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui told a weekly press briefing in Islamabad that Pakistan is closely following the developments regarding Afghan peace talks and believes that it is a good development that Taliban have shown willingness on talks as well as reduction in violence. She said the possibility of reconciliation between both parties was also discussed during the recent visit of US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad to Pakistan.

Referring to the protests outside the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul, the spokesperson noted that the matter has been raised with the relevant Afghan authorities. On the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, the spokesperson stated, ceremonies were held at Pakistan’s embassies and high commissions around the world to express support to the oppressed people of Indian-held Kashmir in their struggle for their right to self-determination.

She reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep engagements with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) regarding the Kashmir issue. She said the OIC has been a strong proponent of the cause and has played a dynamic role in bringing the issue to the forefront at international forums, adding that several OIC resolutions have been passed on different aspects of the dispute, including the gross human rights violation in the valley. She said Pakistan remains engaged with the OIC at the leadership level and several ideas are discussed on a regular basis.

The FO spokesperson said Pakistan holds warm and cordial relations with Turkey and intends on solidifying bilateral ties on the upcoming visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.