Kabul (TDI): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar called on Acting Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund on Saturday.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on major issues of mutual interest, including security, trade and transit collaboration, and explored ways to boost people-to-people contacts.
Reaffirming the commitment to continued engagement, they agreed to maintain high-level exchanges to further enhance ties between the two nations.
They also agreed to continue negotiations in a constructive and positive environment to address bilateral concerns and advance mutual interests.
Dar is leading high-level delegation talks held in Kabul at the invitation of his counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi.
The delegation comprises of Special Representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Sadiq Khan, Special Assistant of Prime Minister (SAPM) Tariq Bajwa, federal secretaries for commerce, railways and interior, as well as other key officials, Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement.
Earlier, the dignitaries of Afghan government and Pakistan embassy officers in Afghanistan welcomed Dar upon his arrival at the Kabul airport.
Speaking to the media before his departure, Dar said that the two nations share deep-rooted brotherly relations which must be further enhanced.
Read More: Dar Heads to Kabul with TTP, US Arms on Agenda
He said that Islamabad has concerns regarding terrorism and talks will be held with the Afghan authorities on this matter.
“Our aim is to foster cooperation that serves the mutual interests of the peoples of both nations as well as the region,” he added.
There are some reasons for the coldness in ties with Kabul in the last few years,” Dar said.
He continued, “I think that the security of Pakistan, the people, of their lives and their properties is very important. We have concerns regarding terrorism, which we will discuss.”
He said that there were vast opportunities for trade, economy, and investment between the two nations. “Our links with Central Asia can be done through rail, but unless Kabul becomes a partner, a railway link between Pakistan and Central Asia cannot be established without it,” he added.
Read More: Pakistan Prioritizes Diplomacy in Ties with Afghanistan
He added that the potential in trade was not being utilized, adding that the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other stakeholders decided that we would engage with Afghanistan.
Dar also underlined the trade and investment ties between the two nations held earlier this week.
Afghan Acting Minister for Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi headed a high-level delegation to Pakistan to explore ways to strengthen trade ties.
Dar said that he was leaving with a “goodwill message” and added, “Both Muslim nations should become close partners of each other and do whatever is possible for the economic prosperity of the people of both sides.
