Islamabad, 7 May 2023 (TDI): The Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, hosted a meeting with the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi in Islamabad.
The two leaders engaged in a candid and comprehensive discussion on various matters of mutual interest, including peace, security, and trade, and connectivity.
Both Foreign Ministers reconfirmed their commitment to maintaining a continuous and practical engagement between the two nations.
They recognized the need for enhanced coordination to counter-terrorism and deepened bilateral cooperation, emphasizing peace and security as a top priority.
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On the subject of bilateral and transit trade, the leaders highlighted the significance of removing obstacles to trade to promote regional economic integration and connectivity.
To honor the visit of the Afghan delegation, a luncheon was hosted by the Pakistani Foreign Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
China-Pakistan-Afghanistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue
In addition to bilateral meetings, the Acting Afghan Foreign Minister participated in the 5th China-Pakistan-Afghanistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue with the Chinese Foreign Minister.
Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari; State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China, Qin Gang; and Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, attended this meeting.
During the dialogue, the three nations agreed to boost political engagement, counterterrorism cooperation and improve trade, investments, and connectivity under the trilateral framework.
The meeting between the Pakistani and Afghan Foreign Ministers highlighted a shared vision for a prosperous and peaceful region.
Both sides recognized the importance of continuous engagement and cooperation to tackle common challenges.
Visit of Afghan Acting FM to Pakistan
Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, and his delegation arrived in Pakistan for a four-day visit, which included participation in the fifth China-Pakistan-Afghanistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue on May 6, 2023.
This visit is a part of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to engage politically with Afghanistan, and both sides have been exchanging visits in recent months.
Earlier this month, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) granted a travel ban exemption to Afghanistan’s interim foreign minister, Muttaqi, allowing him to travel to Pakistan despite being subjected to travel bans, asset freezes, and arms embargoes under UNSC sanctions.
The Afghan Foreign Minister’s visit to Pakistan coincides with the UN’s conference on Afghanistan in Doha, Qatar, which notably did not invite the Taliban rulers.
Apart from bilateral meetings, the Afghan delegation will hold discussions with Chinese and Pakistani officials on various topics, including politics, economy, trade, connectivity, peace and security, and education.
Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to maintaining practical engagement with the interim Afghan government, with the objective of creating a peaceful, prosperous, stable, and connected Afghanistan.
