Pakistan, Iran have direct stake in Afghan peace: PM tells Iranian general

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday emphasised continued close coordination between Pakistan and Iran and stressed that the two countries have a direct stake in peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The prime minister received Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Iran Major General Mohammad Bagheri. He said Pakistan wishes to see a peaceful and stable Afghanistan with a sustainable economy and promoting connectivity.

Sharing Pakistan’s perspective on the latest developments in Afghanistan, the prime minister underscored that the international community must remain positively engaged, provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance, and take steps to prevent economic collapse.

PM Imran Khan also stressed the need for unfreezing of Afghanistan’s financial assets to help support the Afghan people at this critical juncture, especially before the onset of the winter. He also underscored the importance of national reconciliation and inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan.

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The prime minister welcomed the visiting dignitary and highlighted an upward trajectory in bilateral engagement between Pakistan and Iran. He recalled the meeting with President Raisi on the margins of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Dushanbe.

PM Khan underscored Pakistan’s commitment to enhance closer bilateral trade relations as well as enhanced economic and energy cooperation. He described the Pakistan-Iran border as a border of ‘peace and friendship’ and underlined the importance of steps taken for enhanced security on both sides.

He also noted agreement on the establishment of Border Sustenance Markets and stressed that the operationalization of these markets would facilitate livelihood in the region. The opening of two additional border crossing points in the last year had further facilitated regulated movement on both sides, he added.

The prime minister appreciated Iran’s steadfast support on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, especially by the Supreme Leader, adding that Kashmiris looked forward to Iran’s strong voice in support of their just cause. PM Imran Khan conveyed cordial greetings for President Raisi and renewed his invitation for him to visit Pakistan.