Pakistan, Afghanistan agree on sustained bilateral political dialogue

Pakistan and Afghanistan on Tuesday agreed on the significance of sustained bilateral political dialogue and the vital role of institutional mechanisms to advance the myriad tracks of bilateral relations.

The two sides also emphasised the importance of Afghanistan as a land bridge between Central Asia and South Asia and its pivotal role in promoting regional connectivity including through transportation links and mega energy projects such as Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline and the Central Asia-South Asia project (CASA-1000).

During her one-day official visit to Afghanistan, the Minister Of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar held meetings with Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi, Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi, Minister for Mines and Petroleum Shahabuddin Delawar, and Commerce Minister of Afghan Interim Government, Haji Nooruddin Azizi, the Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson said in a press release.

The two sides discussed matters related to enhanced regional security with mutual cooperation, including countering terrorism, and issues and policies which would impact the interim Government’s engagement with the international community.

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful, stable, prosperous and connected Afghanistan.

She also reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to further deepen and strengthen multifaceted ties between the two countries and build an enduring partnership for shared prosperity.

MoS @HinaRKhar held meeting with Commerce Minister of Afghan Interim Government, Haji Nooruddin Azizi. Bilateral trade & economic relations, transit & connectivity came under particular focus. Also discussed mechanisms to oversee cooperation in these areas.#MoSinKabul pic.twitter.com/PRWjoBrric

— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) November 29, 2022

The minister of state underscored the imperatives for the international community to practically engage with the Interim Afghan Government to help Afghanistan address the dire humanitarian situation and the challenges of reconstruction and socio-economic development.

She also stressed that the unfreezing of Afghanistan’s financial assets would contribute to this end.

MoS @HinaRKhar held political consultations with FM of Interim Afghan Govt. Amir Khan Muttaqi. Range of bil. issues of common interest incl. cooperation in education, health,trade & investment,regional connectivity,people-to-people contacts & socioeconomic projects were discussed pic.twitter.com/TO30pq2g34

— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) November 29, 2022

During these meetings, a range of bilateral issues of common interest including cooperation in education, health, agriculture, trade and investment, regional connectivity, people-to-people contacts and socioeconomic projects were discussed.

“Today’s visit of the Minister of State was a manifestation of the high importance Pakistan attaches to its longstanding fraternal relationship with Afghanistan,” the spokesperson said.

The minister of state also held a luncheon meeting with representatives of the Women Chamber of Commerce, the state news agency reported.

She emphasized the important role of women in Afghan society and expressed Pakistan’s keen desire to strengthen linkages between women entrepreneurs of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

She announced that Pakistan would give special preference to import of products produced by businesses run by Afghan women.