Kabul, 22 October 2021 (TDI): Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, met interim Prime Minister of Afghanistan, Mullah Mohammed Hassan Akhund. The meeting took place at ARG Presidential Office, Kabul.
Afghan leadership and interim Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaki, attended the meeting. Likewise, Pakistan’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Mansoor Ahmad Khan, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, Muhammad Sadiq, and senior military leaders were also present on the occasion.
The meeting marked the discussion of matters of mutual interest. Both sides also exchanged views facilitating people-to-people interactions, trade, transit, and connectivity between the two countries.
Foreign Minister Qureshi shared Pakistan’s perspective on regional security dynamics. He said Pakistan only prioritizes peace and stability in Afghanistan. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to extend humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
In addition, the Foreign Minister said the government of Pakistan is undertaking several steps to assist Afghan people. These include visa facilitates for Afghan citizens, especially traders, along with the establishment of new border points to facilitate movement.
Furthermore, Foreign Minister Qureshi reemphasized Pakistan’s willingness to collaborate with neighboring states to play a constructive role in reinstating the socio-economic and political structure of Afghanistan.
Deputy Prime Minister, Maulvi Abdul Salam Hanafi, also organized a banquet in honor of Foreign Minister Qureshi and his delegation at the Arg Palace.
It is the first visit of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister to Afghanistan after the Taliban took reigns of powers in mid-August. He is the third foreign minister to visit Kabul. Earlier, foreign ministers of Uzbekistan and Qatar paid an official visit to Afghanistan.
On 20th October, Russia also hosted the third meeting of Moscow Format to deliberate over the situation in Afghanistan.
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