Islamabad, 29 July 2022 (TDI): The acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan met with Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting.
Foreign Minister reiterated solidarity and support for the Afghan people following the destruction caused by the recent earthquake in Afghanistan.
FM @BBhuttoZardari met Afghanistan’s Acting FM Amir Khan Muttaqi, on sidelines of #SCO CFM,
During the meeting, FM @BBhuttoZardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful & prosperous Afg, advancing ppl to ppl exchanges & providing humanitarian support.#PakFMAtSCO pic.twitter.com/yhqXLah8AK
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) July 28, 2022
Remarks of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister
The Pakistani Foreign Minister said Pakistan remained firmly committed to a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and connected Afghanistan.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also emphasized that Pakistan has the prospect of ending the four-decade-long conflict in the region and establishing sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan.
He highlighted the various steps Pakistan took to support bilateral engagements with the country and facilitate international humanitarian assistance.
The Foreign Minister also underlined the need for enhanced cooperation to promote economic integration and regional connectivity. He further reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional connectivity and infrastructure projects, including TAPI, CASA 1000, and TAP.
Remarks of the Afghan Minister
Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi thanked the Foreign Minister for dispatching humanitarian assistance and hosting Afghan refugees for the last four decades.
He further said that Pakistan could consider expanding its trade with Central Asian Republics through Afghanistan, further promoting regional peace and security.
Pak-Afghan Relations
The two countries have continuously strengthened the bilateral relations of amity and brotherhood.
Pakistan’s development assistance is geared towards many sectors in Afghanistan. This includes investment in infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, and capacity building of Afghan professionals.
Moreover, Pakistan’s foreign policy follows the vision of a “peaceful neighborhood.” Following that high priority of Pakistan’s foreign policy includes building cooperative relations with Afghanistan.
The two sides have many institutional mechanisms in trade and economic cooperation. This includes the Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Cooperation Authority (APTTCA), Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Business Council. Moreover, it includes Afghan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS) and Joint Economic Commission (JEC).
