KABUL: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday arrived in Kabul where he held a meeting with Afghanistan’s interim Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhund.
Speaking on the occasion, the foreign minister said that Pakistan desires durable peace and stability in Afghanistan. He said Pakistan is determined to help Afghans on humanitarian grounds wants to enhance bilateral trade with Afghanistan.
Qureshi said visa facilities to Afghan citizens, especially the business community, opening up of new border points, and facilitating movement are steps taken by Pakistan to facilitate the people of Afghanistan. He expressed Pakistan’s resolve to play a constructive role, in collaboration with Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries, for peace and stability in the region.
During the meeting, views were also exchanged on matters of bilateral interest, enhancing cooperation in economic sector, including trade and commerce, as well as various options to bring the Afghan people out of the economic crisis.
Upon arrival Mullah Hassan Akhund welcomed Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his delegation. The Afghan interim Prime Minister also thanked the Pakistani leadership for extending timely humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
Later, the Afghan Interim Government’s Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi hosted a luncheon in honour of Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. A large number of members of the Afghan Interim Cabinet including Foreign Minister Amir Hassan Muttaqi attended the luncheon.
Speaking on the occasion, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to help Afghan citizens on humanitarian grounds to save them from an economic crisis.
Qureshi arrives in Kabul
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is leading a high-level delegation to Kabul where he will meet the leadership of the interim government of Afghanistan. “During the one-day visit, he will hold talks with Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and meet other Afghan dignitaries as well,” the Foreign Office said.
The Foreign Office said the talks between the two sides would cover the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and focus on ways and means to deepen cooperation in diverse areas. it said the foreign minister will share Pakistan’s perspective on issues of regional peace and stability.
“The foreign minister’s visit reflects Pakistan’s consistent policy of supporting the brotherly Afghan people, deepening bilateral trade and economic relations, and facilitating closer people-to-people contacts,” the Foreign Office said.
The statement said As a close fraternal neighbour, Pakistan has always stood by Afghanistan and kept the border crossing points open for trade and pedestrian crossing under COVID protocols.
It added that a facilitative visa regime for Afghan nationals and border crossing procedures for trade and cargo have been instituted. In recent months, Pakistan has provided humanitarian aid and assistance in the form of foodstuffs and medicines.
