New York, 23 September 2023 (TDI): Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani delivered remarks at Asia Society about terrorism on the sidelines of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, on September 19.
Thomas West, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan, called the Foreign Minister of Pakistan.
According to Pakistan’s Caretaker Foreign Minister, the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and the United States is one of the most essential.
The Foreign Minister and the US Special Representative for Afghanistan discussed bilateral interest topics at the meeting.
While speaking at the Asia Society in New York, he emphasized that both sides are equally focused on enhancing cooperation in non-security-related fields such as trade & investment, climate change, energy, health, agriculture, and the IT and tech sector.
However, cooperation in security and defense remains a key pillar. He claimed that both parties were focusing on harnessing the inherent potential of standalone bilateral connections & they have now de-hyphenated the relationship from all other bilateral partnerships.
Jalil Abbas Jilani said the biggest concern right now for Pakistan is the enhanced terrorist threat from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State Khorasan and their ability to use Afghan soil to launch attacks against Pakistan.
He also emphasized that terrorist groups aiming to establish a foothold in Afghanistan view both the neighborhood and the entire world community as threats.
According to Jalil Abbas Jilani, Pakistan has the most stake in Afghanistan which enjoys peace both inside its own borders and with its regional and global allies. He said that Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism and extremism is unwavering.
Speaking at the event, Jalil Abbas reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to an Afghanistan that is stable, peaceful, wealthy, and connected to the rest of the region.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining contact with the Interim Afghan Government (IAG) to monitor the status of the international community’s priorities.
He also stressed the need to explore potential avenues for Afghanistan’s reconstruction, and economic revival, and to provide adequate and ongoing humanitarian assistance for those in need.
Both parties acknowledged the necessity for ongoing collaboration to bring about long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Pakistan wants to live next to India in harmony and cooperation, according to the Foreign Minister.
Unfortunately, he remarked, the international community has met Pakistan’s positive outreach and peace attempts with hatred.
Also Read: Pakistan & Afghanistan united against terrorism: Foreign Minister
Jalil Abbas Jilani said that Indian state-sponsored terrorism in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and human rights abuses by Indian soldiers furthered ties between India and Pakistan.
“The religious extremism in India, especially against Muslims, has further complicated the situation,” said Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani.
He said that in such a complicated environment, achieving regional peace and stability requires a calm, constructive conversation on all open problems, including the Jammu and Kashmir conflict.
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